Kelly Sienkowski, Author at Potomac Local News

Structure Fire Engulfs Home in Stafford County, No Injuries Reported

Published August 22, 2024 at 8:29PM

A residential fire broke out on Thursday afternoon in the 800 block of Walnut Drive, prompting a swift response from Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units. The fire was reported just before 2:40 p.m., and firefighters arrived on the scene within five minutes to find flames engulfing multiple sides of the single-family home.

Despite challenges posed by the steep terrain and the distance to the nearest hydrants, the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Fortunately, no occupants were in the home at the time, and there were no reported injuries among the residents. The occupants, one adult and four children, are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg to Host “Day of Play” at Virginia Credit Union Stadium

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 22, 2024 at 1:00PM

A paddling pool with kayaks will be available.

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation, and Events will host its inaugural “Day of Play” at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium on September 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The family-focused event will feature a variety of activities like an obstacle course, kayak paddling pool, baseball pitch, and Ga Ga ball. University of Mary Washington’s Cheerleading team will teach cheerleading skills, while Mary Washington Healthcare will host Wellness Workshops. The event will also have a Toddler Area, designed for the youngest attendees.

News

Teen Driver Killed in Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash on Poplar Road

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 22, 2024 at 12:28PM | Updated August 22, 2024 at 3:35PM

In the early hours of August 21, police responded to a single-vehicle accident on the 600 block of Poplar Road at 1:10 a.m. following a report that a Toyota Avalon struck a tree and rolled over several times.

Upon arrival, deputies found four individuals in the vehicle. The driver, identified as Landon Lynn, 18, of Stafford, was pronounced dead at the scene. The three passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

News

Stafford School Board to Hold Special Meeting on Aug. 27

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 22, 2024 at 12:20PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford County Public Schools Alvin York Bandy Complex, the headquarters of the school division.

The Stafford County School Board will hold a special called meeting on Tuesday, August 27, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, livestreamed online, and televised on local cable channels. The public is invited to attend, but the agenda does not include public comments.

The meeting agenda includes a transportation update; Stafford Public Schools faced a chaotic first week with major software issues that left thousands of students without transportation to and from school. The board will also discuss redistricting for the county’s newest High School, which will impact students in the 2026-27 school year. The school will be located between Route 17 and Truslow Road in the southwestern part of the county. This area currently does not have a public high school, and the new facility is expected to help alleviate overcrowding in the existing schools.

Fredericksburg

City of Fredericksburg Receives $81,000 Grant to Combat Teen Violence

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 21, 2024 at 1:00PM

The Fredericksburg Police Department has been awarded an $81,000 grant to support the FXBG Steering Committee on Teen Violence in creating a five-year strategic plan to address rising teenage violence in the community. This grant is part of a larger $475,000 funding initiative spread over two years, aimed at enhancing staffing, strategic planning, and acquiring new technologies to curb violence.

This initiative follows the establishment of a regional gang task force last year by Police Chief Layton in response to escalating gang activity in local schools and the community. The task force, which includes partnerships with neighboring counties and the Rappahannock Regional Jail, meets monthly to share information and coordinate efforts across jurisdictions.

News

Stafford County Unveils New “I Voted” Sticker Designed by Local Student

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 21, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Stafford County's new "I Voted" sticker

Stafford County voters will receive a new, unique “I Voted” sticker this year. Ellie Brewer, a senior at Mountain View High School, created the hand-drawn design of a cardinal perched on a dogwood branch, symbolizing the pride and beauty of Virginia.

Brewer’s design will be featured on the official 2024 “I Voted” stickers distributed at polling stations throughout Stafford County. Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) collaborated with Stafford County Government and the Office of Elections to host the 2024 sticker design contest. Students were asked to create designs to inspire voter participation.

Business

After 30 Years, Fredericksburg’s Hyperion Has a New Owner

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 21, 2024 at 7:30AM

Hyperion Espresso

Hyperion fans, take a deep breath – new owner Jack Scholl says your “iconic coffee shop isn’t going anywhere.”

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News

Stafford Man Gets 49 Years for 2022 Fatal Shooting

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 20, 2024 at 12:23PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

George Lee Pearson III

“A Stafford man who killed another man in 2022 outside a county motel following a multiday drug binge was ordered Monday to serve 49 years in prison. George Lee Pearson III, 47, was sentenced in Stafford Circuit Court to a total of 68 years with 19 years suspended. He shot and killed 47-year-old Leo D. Franklin of Oxon Hill, Maryland, for reasons that remain unclear.” Read more from The Free Lance-Star.

On Sunday morning, June 19, deputies found a man suffering a gunshot wound to the chest in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn, 386 Warrenton Road in Stafford County. Three deputies provided first aid to the victim until medics arrived on the scene to treat and take the victim to a hospital where he later died. Pearson fled the scene armed with a handgun. Deputies were able to speak with him through FaceTime on his phone. Pearson eventually stopped on an exit ramp of I-95 and surrendered at 11:30 a.m.

Fredericksburg

Zoe Freedom Center’s Fourth Annual 5K to Fund Future Residential Care Home for Women

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 20, 2024 at 9:00AM

Zoe Freedom Center

The Zoe Freedom Center is gearing up for its fourth annual 5K run, a fundraising event supporting its mission to assist those struggling with addiction. The event on Aug. 24, 2024, will begin and end at the University of Mary Washington’s Jepson Alumni Executive Center, with participants running a course that stretches to the halfway point near Lafayette and Blue & Gray Parkway before looping back.

Founded by Dana and Mark Brown in March 2020, the Zoe Freedom Center launched the same day widespread shutdowns were announced for the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were surprised by the happenings, but we knew we were called to open this organization,” said Dana, “It proved to be the perfect time to open.” As other addiction services were forced to close or transition to virtual operations, the Zoe Freedom Center remained an in-person resource for those in need.

Fredericksburg

UMW Prepares for Fall with Aug. 19 Test of Audible Alert System

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 19, 2024 at 8:45AM

University of Mary Washington's Pollard Hall (Photo | UMW )

The University of Mary Washington will conduct a test of its UMW Alert system on Monday, August 19 at 1 p.m., with sirens and test messages audible on and near the Fredericksburg campus.