Kelly Sienkowski, Author at Potomac Local News

Week 3: What All Four Candidates Said About Border Security

Published September 11, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:25PM

Our third week of candidate survey questions generated responses from all four candidates. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.

Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

Virginia’s 2024 Candidates Announce Debate Schedules

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 10, 2024 at 1:00PM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:23PM

Correction (Sept. 12): The dates listed for Candidates Anderson and Vindman are not all debates. We have updated the information to reflect whether they are debates or forums. Debates allow candidates to answer questions and respond to their opponent’s comments. Forums are typically statements with no back-and-forth between candidates. Anderson has previously agreed to participate in six debates; Vindman has agreed to participate in one debate at University of Mary Washington. Vindman previously declined a televised debate hosted by ABC news.

As election season heats up, Virginia’s candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives District 7 have announced their debate schedules.

News

Yard Waste Fees Waived Until Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at Stafford Landfill

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 6, 2024 at 10:03AM

The Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board) has announced that it will temporarily waive fees for yard debris disposal for residents until Sunday, September 8, 2024. This decision comes in response to the Aug. 30 storm that brought heavy wind and rain to Stafford County and surrounding areas. The storm, which marked the beginning of Virginia’s hurricane season, resembled tropical-like conditions often seen in places like Florida, not Virginia.

Residents can take yard waste to two locations: the Regional Landfill on Eskimo Hill Road and the Belman Road Convenience Center. The Eskimo Hill location accepts limbs and debris up to 12 inches in diameter and eight feet in length. The Belman Road Convenience Center will accept debris up to four inches in diameter and eight feet in length.

News

Stafford County Invites Citizens to Annual 9/11 Bell-Ringing

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 6, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford County will host its annual 9/11 ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center in recognition and remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

This year marks 23 years since over 3,000 people died during attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Business

Stafford Strikes a SPARK for Local Business Owners

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 4, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford’s Economic Development team is launching a new program for aspiring and established business owners.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Fredericksburg

Consultants Seek Public Input on Revamping Fredericksburg’s Parks and Ficklen Island

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 4, 2024 at 10:30AM

A consulting firm, Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, is seeking more public input on the future of Alum Spring Park, Old Mill Park, and Ficklen Island in Fredericksburg. Since February, they have been gathering feedback to refine the city’s Parks and Recreation master plan.

Key issues identified include flooding and outdated facilities at Old Mill Park, the need for improved access and trail repairs at Alum Spring Park, and the potential removal of a concrete dam at Ficklen Island. The consultants have developed several concepts to address these concerns and now ask the public to weigh in on their recommendations before presenting them to city council this fall.The firm’s presentation, including maps and surveys, is available online.

We Asked Four Candidates about Transparency in Government; Three Responded

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 4, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:24PM

Our second week of candidate survey questions generated responses from three of the four candidates. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.

Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

News

New Roundabout and Sidewalks Planned for Stefaniga/Mountain View Road Intersection

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 3, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Proposed plans for the intersection of Stefaniga and Mountain View

The Stafford County Department of Capital Projects is holding a Citizen Information Meeting to discuss the upcoming Stefaniga and Mountain View Road Intersection Improvement Project. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mountain View High School.

The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow by realigning the Stefaniga/Mountain View Road intersection with the nearby Lightfoot Drive/Mountain View Road intersection, converting it into a single-lane roundabout. New sidewalks and curb ramps will also be added to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity. The projected cause is over $5.2 million, funded by VDOT SMART SCALE, Federal CDS, and Local Funding.

News