Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Traffic Alert: Scheduled Lane Closures in Stafford County and Fredericksburg Area (Nov. 23-29, 2025)

Published November 22, 2025 at 8:32PM

“The scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting.” — VDOT Fredericksburg District announced on Nov. 21, 2025.

“Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Alternating northbound and southbound lane closures on Route 17 between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road. Median improvements under permit.” — VDOT Fredericksburg District stated.

Breaking News

“Monster on the Bus”: Spotsy Attendant Gets 48 Years

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 21, 2025 at 7:23PM

Velasquez Velasco

A former Spotsylvania County Public Schools bus attendant who sexually abused young, non-verbal special-needs children on his daily route was sentenced Friday to a total of 201 years in prison, with 48 years to serve.

Miguel Angel Velasquez-Velasco, 23, pleaded guilty in September to 13 felony and misdemeanor offenses, including aggravated sexual battery and custodial indecent liberties, for assaults that prosecutors say took place on a school bus carrying children ages four to eight.

Stafford

‘Every Dime Buys a Coat’: Stafford’s Operation Warm Helps Students in Need

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 21, 2025 at 2:41PM

A long-running partnership between Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Public Schools will provide nearly 1,700 winter coats to local students this year through Operation Warm. This donation-driven program has grown dramatically since its launch more than 15 years ago.

Mark Doyle, a volunteer with the Mountain View Fire Department, said the effort began around 2008 when Fairfax County Fire and Rescue donated about 30 coats and encouraged Stafford to expand the initiative locally.

Prince William

Forest Park’s Season Ends as VHSL Rules Block Advancement Amid Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 19, 2025 at 10:22PM

“While there is an ongoing investigation regarding the opposing team’s volunteer chain crew and their use of communication devices during the game, please understand that under Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules, even if there is a change in Battlefield’s status, our team will not advance to the Region Semifinals,” InsideNoVa reported. “The Bruins would be unable to move forward due to Virginia High School League rules that state that a team that loses a game cannot challenge the outcome.”

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Stafford

NO QUESTIONS! Yeung Blasts Media During BOS Meeting, Claims Harassment

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 19, 2025 at 3:32PM

A campaign mailer from Stafford County Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung claimed she had “secured a new movie theater” for The Garrison development in North Stafford. The project’s developer later told county leaders that no current theater contract exists, reviving questions about the long-promised project.

Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung used the Stafford County Board of Supervisors’ November 18 meeting to publicly criticize reporters, saying journalists should not approach her with questions at public events and warning that doing so is “dangerous.”

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Manassas

City of Manassas Pushes Back on VRE Proposal to Close Battle Street Crossing

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 18, 2025 at 3:13PM

Battle Street [Photo: Manassas City Flickr]

The city’s historic downtown could be in for a major transportation shake-up — but the proposal from the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) faced intense questioning from the Manassas City Council Monday night as council members pressed whether the plan truly works for the city’s traditional retail and event core.

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Prince William

Dryer Vent Fire Displaces 5 in Dumfries Home

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 18, 2025 at 1:59PM

A house fire in Dumfries on Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2025, forced five adults from their home after flames broke out on the backside of the residence in the 3000 block of Desert Palm Court. Fire crews arrived around 1:21 p.m. to find moderate fire damage. No one was hurt, but the house was declared unsafe to occupy.

Investigators say a buildup of lint in the dryer vent sparked the fire. The Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to have dryer vent lines professionally cleaned once a year to prevent similar hazards.

Stafford

Fire Displaces Family of Five in Stafford, Damages Two Nearby Homes

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2025 at 9:25PM

Crews arrived within minutes to find heavy fire coming from the side and rear of a two-story home. Firefighters battled challenging conditions, including strong winds, flaring propane tanks, and unstable interior floors. All residents evacuated safely before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is helping the displaced family.

The fire is under investigation. The Fredericksburg Fire Department and Quantico Fire & Emergency Services assisted on scene.

Stafford

Stafford County bans open burning as fire risk rises amid Red Flag Warning

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2025 at 7:32AM

Stafford County has issued a ban on all open-air burning for Sunday, November 16, due to high fire danger caused by dry conditions and gusty winds. The county Fire Marshal issued the order as a precaution to prevent wildfires.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Red Flag Warning, in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, for much of Northern and Central Virginia, including Stafford County. Forecasters expect northwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in some areas, combined with very low humidity levels—ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly.

Prince William

Pump Track Opens at Rollins Ford Park in Nokesville

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 15, 2025 at 11:11PM

Photo: Prince William County Parks Foundation

“Community support was tremendous! We appreciate every individual and business who contributed,” Prince William County Parks Foundation announced. “Major support came from several organizations: Branscome Paving provided asphalt, Vulcan Materials donated a huge amount of stone, the Brentsville Supervisor’s office surprised us with a significant needed resources and STACK Infrastructure was our High Roller Champion sponsor.”

“Thank you to the Parks Foundation, our Parks Department and all those who contributed to the pump track. It shows just how great our community is and how, when we come together, we can achieve something great for our residents,” Supervisor Tom Gordy said. Prince William County Parks Director Seth Hendler-Voss added, “We’re grateful for the Parks Foundation who made this project possible by rallying together park advocates and the business community to achieve a common goal of providing the best possible recreation opportunities for our community.”