Two incidents involving overturned tractor-trailers occurred in Stafford County within 24 hours.
The first incident took place on the ramp to southbound Interstate 95 at milepost 133, near the Rappahannock River. There is no information yet on any injuries. Virginia State Police have charged the tractor-trailer driver with reckless driving, according to Virginia State Police Sergeant Brent W. Coffey.
Manassas Park Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance locating Mamta Kafle Bhatta, a 28-year-old woman who was reported missing. Following a welfare check, officers initially visited Kafle’s residence on August 2, 2024. During this visit, her husband, who police identified as Mr. Bhatt, provided information but did not file a missing person report.
On August 5, Bhatt contacted the police again and reported Kafle Bhatta missing. The police began an investigation, but it was initially determined that her disappearance did not meet the Virginia State Police criteria for a missing person case. After further investigation and the absence of contact with family, friends, or on social media, police elevated the case to an Involuntary/Critical Missing Person status. Virginia State Police distributed her missing person flyer to law enforcement agencies across Virginia and the U.S.
Press release
The boat ramp is open at Widewater State Park. The?ramp?area has been improved and is ready for use again after being closed for several months due to a maintenance dredging project.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has amended its By-laws to implement a new meeting schedule starting August 20, 2024, which includes three meeting days per month: A Day for business items, B-Day for work sessions and public hearings, and C Day for additional work sessions as needed. All meetings will begin at 5 p.m. to encourage greater public participation, and public comment opportunities will remain available on both A and B Days.
Press release:
Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Motts Run Reservoir, which was established in 1974. The reservoir itself spans 160 acres, and is within a total of 860 acres of land. The reservoir was initially created to ensure a reliable water supply for the region. Over the years, it has become an important area for wildlife, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation for Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events, stated, “Motts has gone from being one of Fredericksburg’s hidden gems to being a family favorite park over the past 50 years.” She highlighted the reservoir’s diverse offerings, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing, noting its role as a community asset.
The 2024 Arts Alive! Festival, a free and family-friendly event, will be held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 14, featuring art, dance, music, and more. Organized by the Prince William County Arts Council, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the event includes performances, activities, food, and craft vendors, and will take place rain or shine.
Press release:
Dumfries Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson is leading a renewed effort to attract more small businesses to the town as it prepares for the opening of The Rose, a 300-room gaming resort and hotel set to become the largest gaming destination in Northern Virginia. Town leaders are focused on creating a diverse mix of retail and service businesses to complement the expected influx of visitors with the resort’s opening.
Nickerson outlined the town’s strategy, which includes a year-long contract extension with Retail Strategies, a firm hired to identify and attract potential businesses to Dumfries. “We are hopeful that the Rose will serve as a beacon, an anchor, that will attract more businesses to Dumfries as a destination,” Nickerson said. The Rose, which will offer video slot machines but not table games, is expected to draw visitors from across the region.
Manassas City Police Chief turned Interim City Manager Douglas Keen is nearing the one-year mark as the city’s government’s chief employee. He stepped into the role following the resignation of former City Manager W. Patrick Pate. Despite the extended tenure, Keen has clarified that he does not wish to assume the position permanently.
Keen began serving as Interim City Manager in November 2023, after Pate left to become the City Manager of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After conducting interviews for the role, the Manassas City Council selected Keen for the interim position during a September 18, 2023, meeting.
Stafford County Schools is still working to resolve a transportation crisis.
On Monday, the first school day for kindergarten, 6th, and 9th-grade students, parents learned that some 3,000 children would not have bus transportation to school. All Stafford County students were scheduled to return to classes the following day, and the problems continued, with about 1,000 students still without a bus to carry them to school.
The Northern Virginia Veterans Association, in collaboration with the Freedom Museum, the Manassas Museum, and the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William, is organizing an event to honor those impacted by September 11, 2001. The event will be held on the lawn of the Manassas Museum on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 3 p.m.
This gathering, titled “9/11 In Honoring Those Who Gave All,” is a free event open to the public. It aims to bring the community together to hear stories from individuals directly involved in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect and honor the memory of those who lost their lives on that day.
