In this episode of the Potomac Local News podcast, we sit down with Don Pannell from Prince William Water to discuss the vital role of water infrastructure in Northern Virginia. From emergency preparedness plans to lessons learned from recent events in Richmond, Don shares insights into how Prince William Water ensures reliable service for over 300,000 residents.

Key topics include:

Don also addresses concerns about future water needs as the region grows and sheds light on the investments required to maintain critical infrastructure.

Stay informed and connected:

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.

Learn how this community-built hospital has evolved with transformative investments, including freestanding emergency rooms, a cardiovascular surgery center, and cutting-edge AI technology.

From its roots as Potomac Hospital to its role today as a leader in local healthcare, Sentara continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of serving the community. Whether you’re curious about the future of healthcare or want to hear how the hospital has remained a vital part of Northern Virginia, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Topics Covered:

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In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, Delegate Ian Lovejoy joins us from Richmond to discuss key issues impacting Virginia residents:

Richmond’s Water Crisis: Hear about the ongoing water outage in Richmond, its effects on families, businesses, and schools, and what it means for state leadership as former Mayor Levar Stoney campaigns for Lieutenant Governor.

Data Center Development: Delegate Lovejoy explains his legislative efforts to address the rapid expansion of data centers in Northern Virginia, including:

Energy Infrastructure Concerns: Learn how unchecked data center growth could threaten Virginia’s power grid by 2030 and what steps are needed to prevent a crisis.

This in-depth conversation explores the challenges facing Virginia communities and the solutions Delegate Lovejoy is working to implement.

Subscribe for more updates on local news and issues affecting Virginia.

You’ll learn about:

Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.

The Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program creates new opportunities for students to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, and prepare for workforce or higher education success. Open to rising ninth graders and high school students; this initiative provides a wide array of specialty centers and pathways that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.

The Career Pathways Program is designed to align with the Stafford County School Board’s strategic plan by offering thematic specialty centers at local high schools. Each center focuses on specific career fields, ensuring students receive tailored education and experiences. For example:

– The CHAMP Center at Brooke Point High School emphasizes community health and medical professions, catering to students interested in healthcare careers.

Students also have access to regional programs like the Commonwealth Governor’s School and the Virginia Lab School, which operate in partnership with local counties and the University of Mary Washington.

Assistant Director of College and Career Readiness Amy Nearman emphasized that the program allows students to “try before you buy” by exploring career interests early. “Sometimes finding out what you don’t want to do is just as valuable as figuring out what you do want to do,” Nearman said. This approach ensures students make informed decisions about their future without the financial risks of pursuing a misaligned college major or career path.

Discovery Nights: A Portal to Opportunities

The recently concluded Discovery Nights series offered families a glimpse into these opportunities. Held at Stafford’s five high schools in December 2024, these events featured presentations, exhibits, and interactive sessions where parents and students explored various programs and pathways. Michael Bolling, Chief Academic Officer, praised the events for their accessibility. “Expanding Discovery Nights to each high school allowed for a more personalized experience,” he said, noting the overwhelming positive response from attendees.

Stafford County Public Schools is calling on parents and businesses to get involved in shaping the future of the Career Pathways Program. Local businesses can participate by offering internships, speaking engagements, or advisory roles. These partnerships ensure that students gain relevant, hands-on experience while businesses help prepare their future workforce. Parents are encouraged to explore these opportunities with their children and provide feedback to help enhance the program.

Students interested in joining specialty centers or pathways should submit applications by January 24, 2025. Families can find more information on the school division’s website. Offers will be sent to parents on February 17, 2025.

Stafford County Public Schools has made presentation materials available online under the “Secondary Offerings” section of their website for those unable to attend Discovery Nights. Families with further questions are encouraged to reach out to the school division for personalized guidance.

In an era of rapid development and change, few leaders, like Mayor Janette Rishell of Manassas Park, leave a lasting impact. After 12 years of dedicated service—four on the City Council and eight as Mayor—Mayor Rishell is stepping down, leaving behind a transformed city with a brighter future.

On the latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, our founder, Uriah Kiser, sits down with Mayor Rishell for an insightful conversation about her journey, her achievements, and her vision for Manassas Park’s future.

Why Listen to This Episode?

1. A City Transformed

2. Leadership Lessons

3. The Road Ahead

4. A Personal Touch

Whether you’re a Manassas Park resident or someone interested in community growth and leadership, this podcast episode offers inspiration and insight into the dedication required to lead a city through challenging times.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from a leader who has guided her city with resilience and vision. Subscribe to the Potomac Local News Podcast today and join the conversation about shaping the future of our communities.

In our latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we tackle the complex and controversial topic of data centers and their growing presence in our region. Joining the conversation are two experts with unique perspectives: Bill Wright, a data center activist from Prince William County, and Dr. Eric Bonds, a professor at the University of Mary Washington and a concerned Fredericksburg resident.

Fredericksburg City Council recently held a work session to discuss an ordinance that would allow data centers within the city limits for the first time, focusing on a 250-acre site at Celebrate Virginia South. The proposed timeline is ambitious, with plans to finalize the ordinance as early as February 2025. While data centers promise potential economic benefits, including increased tax revenue, concerns about their environmental and community impact have sparked significant debate.

In this episode, we explore:

New Podcast Episode: Honoring the Legacy of Jenny Dean and the Future of Manassas City Public Schools

Our latest Potomac Local News Podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Almeta Radford, spokeswoman for Manassas City Public Schools. We dive into the details of the $47 million groundbreaking project for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, set to open in 2026.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The Significance of Jenny Dean’s Legacy

2. A Community-Centered Design

3. Behind the Budget

4. What’s Next for Manassas City Schools

This episode captures the excitement and importance of a project that’s not just about a building but about celebrating history, serving the present, and shaping the future.

Tune in to hear Almeta’s reflections, the passion behind the project, and what this milestone means for the Manassas community.

Listen now and join us in celebrating this major step forward for our schools and students.

What are your thoughts on the new Jennie Dean Elementary School project? Please share them in the comments below.

We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.

Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson

Stay Connected

Become a Supporting Member

Have a news tip? Please email us at [email protected]. Uriah reads every email.

We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.

Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the **affordable housing crisis**, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson

Stay Connected

Become a Supporting Member

Have a news tip? Please email us at [email protected]. Uriah reads every email!

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

What to Listen For:

Listen to the full episode for these stories and more, and subscribe for updates on what’s shaping Northern Virginia communities!