Potomac Local News

Published October 26, 2023 at 9:18AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

Insidenova.com: “Prince William County Public Schools made small gains in standardized test scores and other assessment areas last academic year, but key issues persist in specific student groups, county officials told the School Board during its Oct. 18 meeting.”

“Chronic absenteeism, rising drop-out rates and access and achievement gaps for student subgroups are the most persistent and glaring issues across the county, Superintendent LaTanya McDade and other county officials told the board in their State of the Schools 2022-23 presentation.”

Prince William

Prince William court uploads historical, ‘stolen’ deeds to county website

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 26, 2023 at 9:14AM

Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith

Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk: “The Historical Online Portal (HOP) of the Circuit Court Clerk now includes historical deeds recorded before the American Revolution to the early 1900s. Among the deeds available for online inquiry is the Stolen Deed Book-Liber A (Stolen Historical Records Returned to the Prince William County Circuit Court (pwcva.gov).”

“Launched in early 2023, the HOP currently offers access to Deeds, Wills, and Lists of Heirs.”

Prince William

St. Katharine Drexel Mission to open 300-seat church near Haymarket

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2023 at 10:14PM

Work continues on St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church near Haymarket [Photo: Tom Bohacek]

St. Katharine Drexel Mission: “Construction on St. Katharine Drexel Mission’s new church home on the corner of Waterfall Road and Route 15 in Haymarket, VA, is moving forward at an impressive pace since groundbreaking in March. This faith community, originally founded in 2000, plans to celebrate its first Mass in the new church in May 2024.”

“Located in Western Prince William County, St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church will include a 300-seat worship space, sanctuary, altar, tabernacle, and preparation spaces.”

Features

Kings Dominion ends year-round operation after short experiment

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2023 at 9:58PM

The Dominator roller coaster [Photo: Kings Dominion]

“Last year, these three Cedar Fair parks generated quite a buzz when they announced their decision to remain open on weekends during what was formerly their off-season.”

Prince William

Supervisors adopt county’s 1st environmental master plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2023 at 9:51PM

Prince William Times: “In a party-line vote, Prince William supervisors approved on Tuesday the county’s first-ever plan that sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy.”

“But the board’s three Republicans called it?“hypocritical” that their Democratic counterparts, who hold a 5-3 majority, adopted such a plan while considering a massive expansion of the county’s data center industry. Data centers require an enormous amount of electricity, most of which is supplied by fossil fuels.”

News

Aquia Harbour Host Lions collect 3,905 pounds of electronic junk

By Amelia Breeden

Published October 25, 2023 at 9:46PM | Updated October 25, 2023 at 10:29PM

Press Release: “The Aquia Harbour Host Lions were out supporting the Household Hazardous Waste Day collecting all the electrical and electronic waste. 3,905lbs of electronic in addition to hundreds of cell phones, laptops, and ink cartridges, were able to be recycled by the Lions.”

“The students from Brooke Point High School Vstar were on hand to work with the Lions, disabling items while identifying multiple desktop computers and monitors that they will be able to wipe and refurbish to provide to people in our area who cannot afford a home computer.”

Prince William

U.S. Marshals nab woman accused of trying to run over police

By Amelia Breeden

Published October 25, 2023 at 9:43PM

Prince William Police Department: “Attempted Malicious Wounding on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] *ARREST – On October 25, the suspect sought in connection to the attempted assaults on LEO that were reported to have occurred in the 16700 block of Interstate Drive in Dumfries on July 1, was arrested. The accused, identified as McKayla Nicole STRAIT, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force in Raliegh, North Carolina where she will remain until extradited to Prince William County.

Arrested on October 24: [No Photo Available] McKayla Nicole STRAIT, 19, of 3001 Frankfurt Court in Woodbridge. Charged with 3 counts of attempted malicious wounding on a LEO and 1 count of attempted malicious wounding. Court Date: Pending | Status: Incarcerated.”

News

Stafford residents have more time to pay personal property taxes

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2023 at 9:39PM | Updated October 25, 2023 at 10:28PM

Stafford County Supervisor Crystal Vanuch: “I have great news… remember a few weeks ago when I said I was introducing a request for more time to pay personal property taxes due in December? Well, it passed our Board 6-1 on Tuesday! They are now penalty-free until January 5, and you will have more time to make those payments.”

“Personal property tax bills go out at the beginning of November. These bills are due December 5th. With the impending government shutdown on top of difficult economic conditions, I think allowing residents an additional 30 days, penalty-free, to pay these bills is necessary. The bills will be penalty-free until January 5th.”

Prince William

Prince William water tastes best in state

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2023 at 11:50AM

Prince William Service Authority: “Prince William County Service Authority employees showcased their skills and expertise at the Virginia Section American Water Works Association (VA AWWA) 33rd Annual Water Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo.”

“Held in Roanoke earlier this month, the Utility Rodeo featured contests that tested participants’ skill, speed and safety in the water utility industry.”