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.


A fatal crash investigation is underway following an incident on September 5 at 3:27 p.m. in Woodbridge, near Old Bridge Road and Occoquan roads. A 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales of Woodbridge, was traveling at high speed when she lost control and slid under a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck.

Morales, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 56-year-old man from Triangle, remained on-site and was uninjured. Speed was determined to be a factor in the crash. Investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues.


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.


Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has announced her candidacy for governor. She aims to continue the work of the Youngkin-Sears administration.

If elected, she would become the first Black woman to serve as Virginia’s governor and the first Black woman in U.S. history to hold such a position. Earle-Sears, an immigrant from Jamaica and former U.S. Marine, highlighted the administration’s achievements in improving community safety, boosting the economy, cutting taxes, and expanding educational choices for parents.


On September 5, 2024, at 8:39 a.m., Manassas City Police responded to a call reporting a suspicious event near the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street.

Police found a girl in distress after encountering a man who allegedly posed as a police officer. According to the juvenile, the suspect, driving a red Jeep SUV, approached her on Clover Hill Road, claimed to be an officer, and forced her into his vehicle.


The star of the show will be the park’s new winged rollercoaster, Rapterra. It will soar 145 feet into the sky, travel at 65 mph, and feature a dive loop, flat spin corkscrew, and heartline roll (the park calls it a raptor roll).

The celebration will also feature various special events, entertainment, and attractions. Visitors can expect new live shows at the Kings Dominion Theater, a high-energy roaming street party, and the return of the famous Clown Band. A standout feature will be the park’s Eiffel Tower, lit with special effects synchronized to a golden anniversary soundtrack.


A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Braemar Park will be held on Thursday, September 26, at 11 a.m. at 12401 Braemar Parkway in Bristow. The park has seen several updates, including a new playground, repaved parking lot, renovated basketball and tennis courts, and the addition of two pickleball courts. The event is open to the public.

A new playground design has been finalized at Fairmont Park, located at 9801 Fairmont Avenue near Manassas. The community is invited to participate in Build Week from October 23 to 26. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks such as assembling equipment and mixing concrete. All necessary tools and safety gear will be provided, along with food and drinks for participants. Volunteers must be 18 or older, though those aged 14 and up are welcome to assist with certain tasks.


Press Release:

Jacob Long, an experienced leader in public university administration, finances and budgets, has been named the vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer at the University of Mary Washington. With more than two decades of experience in state higher education, Long joins the University as a member of the cabinet leadership team. He will begin Oct. 25.


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