Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Prince William

PWCS Investigates Chain-Gang Crew for Electronic Device Use at Forest Park–Battlefield Game

By Uriah Kiser

“It was reported that the volunteers working the first-down chains were inappropriately using communication devices. Once discovered, the referees asked the volunteers to remove the devices. The chain gang volunteers were asked to leave the game to mitigate any further disruptions,” InsideNoVa reported. “The results of that investigation will ‘be forwarded to the Virginia High School League, who will assist in determining if penalties are warranted.’”

Be a Local in the Know. Get All the News & Fewer Ads. Since 2010, Potomac Local News has produced honest, trusted local news reporting. Please become a member today for 100% access, and support community journalism.

Go to PWCS Investigates Chain-Gang Crew for Electronic Device Use at Forest Park–Battlefield Game Read more
Prince William

Seven displaced after early morning house fire

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Prince William fire and rescue

A major house fire broke out early Saturday morning in Lake Ridge, displacing seven people but causing no injuries.

Fire crews were called to the 19200 block of Luca Station Way, near Old Bridge Elementary School, at 2:44 a.m. and found heavy flames emanating from the garage, which were spreading into the home. All residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. A second alarm was briefly issued due to the fire’s intensity and reports that someone might still be inside, but those units were quickly returned to service.

Go to Seven displaced after early morning house fire Read more
Prince William

Federal Jury Convicts Woodbridge Man on Income Tax Charges

By Uriah Kiser

“Omini Tete Riman, 60, earned income as an information technology specialist and landlord,” U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced. “Riman filed false Internal Revenue Service Forms 1040 for tax years 2013 and 2014, resulting in tax refunds of $213,577 for 2013 and $186,468 for 2014, to which he was not entitled.”

“Riman took numerous steps to frustrate the IRS’s collection efforts,” the office said, including transferring property to a trust, directing income to accounts in the trust’s name, telling a tenant to ignore IRS notices and calling them a “scam,” and submitting false documents claiming an IRS officer had received more than $600,000 from him.

Go to Federal Jury Convicts Woodbridge Man on Income Tax Charges Read more
Traffic

Smithfield Road and Doves Lane to Close for Daytime Drainage Work Nov. 17–19

By Uriah Kiser

“Smithfield Road (Route 746) between Petterson Lane and Sinclair Lane (Route 747) will be closed to through traffic during daytime hours Monday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Doves Lane (Route 650) between Shawnee Lane (Route 793) and Bradley Forest Road (Route 752) will be closed to through traffic during daytime hours for drainage pipe replacement,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Those needing to reach properties along Smithfield Road and Doves Lane will have access; however, drivers will not be able to go beyond the work sites in either direction.”

“Smithfield Road through traffic will be detoured via Coopers Lane, Bradley Forest Road and Doves Lane back to Smithfield Road; Doves Lane through traffic will be detoured via Smithfield Road, Coopers Lane and Bradley Forest Road back to Doves Lane.”

Go to Smithfield Road and Doves Lane to Close for Daytime Drainage Work Nov. 17–19 Read more
Prince William

Occoquan Updates: Council News, Business Changes, and Holiday Events

By Uriah Kiser
Overlooking Occoquan [Photo: Occoquan Town Instagram page]

Mayor Ernie Porta’s latest Occoquan Radio Podcast recapped the November 5 Town Council meeting and shared updates on local businesses and upcoming holiday events. Here’s what residents should know:

For more on town events, visit VisitOccoquanVA.com/events.

Go to Occoquan Updates: Council News, Business Changes, and Holiday Events Read more
Prince William

Haymarket Appoints Caposella to Town Council, Awards Employee Pay Study Contract, Ignores Records Order

By Uriah Kiser

The Haymarket Town Council voted Wednesday night, November 12, 2025, to appoint David Caposella to fill a vacant seat on the council.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Go to Haymarket Appoints Caposella to Town Council, Awards Employee Pay Study Contract, Ignores Records Order Read more
Politics

Loudoun GOP Chair says RPV has “No Concern” for Northern Virginia Voters

By Uriah Kiser

“He doesn’t believe Northern Virginia even matters. They don’t vote for him anyway, so why even matter and come out in Northern Virginia?” a Facebook Reel stated. “Northern Virginia doesn’t vote for us anyway, so we’re not that concerned about it.”

Loudoun County Republican Committee Chairman Scott Pio’s comments were directed at the Republican Party of Virginia leader Mark Peake, referencing Peek’s Election Day remarks minimizing the impact of the government shutdown and suggesting Northern Virginia was not a political priority. Pio argued the statements show a disregard for a major region of the state and used the clip as part of his call for broader leadership resignations within the party.

Go to Loudoun GOP Chair says RPV has “No Concern” for Northern Virginia Voters Read more
Prince William

Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park

By Uriah Kiser

“Experience the magic at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk,” according to an event posted to the Potomac Local News events calendar. “The magic returns! Join us for the annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk.” “Be sure to check out all the details including dates/times and important parking info: pwcparks.info/holidaylights”

The free Holiday Walk of Lights is scheduled for December 4, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22191. Attendees can walk a nearly mile-long trail of hand-crafted light displays, enjoy appearances by holiday characters, listen to carolers, and shop from seasonal vendors on select evenings. More information, including parking details and text alerts by sending the word “lights” to (703) 382-6716, is available online at pwcparks.info/holidaylights.

Go to Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park Read more
Newslinks

Trump Signs Order to Expand Support for Foster Youth and “Fostering the Future” Initiative

By Uriah Kiser
First lady Melania Trump joins President Donald Trump to host a Celebration for Military Mothers event in the East Room of the White House, May 8, 2025. Photo: Andrea Hanks / Official White House Photo via Flickr

“I developed an idea to establish an impactful platform with an important mission,” The Center Square reported, “to provide individuals from the foster care community the ability to secure an entry level job position and in turn, financial independence.”

“Each year, more than 15,000 young people age out of the foster care system and unfortunately, too many struggle to become self-sufficient,” said President Donald Trump. “The order I will sign in a few moments will provide vital new resources to help young people transition out of the foster care system and live a very happy and a very successful life.”

Go to Trump Signs Order to Expand Support for Foster Youth and “Fostering the Future” Initiative Read more
Newslinks

$300K Income Needed to Buy a Single-Family Home in Northern Virginia, Experts Say

By Uriah Kiser
New homes at K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons at Virginia Crossing in Woodbridge.

“Ten years ago, the average age of the first-time-homebuyer was 28, and so this is a big jump and it’s a signal that it’s really, really hard for folks to get into the housing market right now,” NBC Washington reported. “The median price for a single-family detached home in Fairfax County is almost a million. It is over $1.25 million in Alexandria and in Arlington County,” Sturtevant said. “You do need an income of about $300,000 if you do sort of some back-of-the-envelope math on taking on a loan with 10 percent down — it is very hard.”

Be a Local in the Know. Get All the News & Fewer Ads. Since 2010, Potomac Local News has produced honest, trusted local news reporting. Please become a member today for 100% access, and support community journalism.

Go to $300K Income Needed to Buy a Single-Family Home in Northern Virginia, Experts Say Read more
View More Stories