This new crossing would provide direct access between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg and help offer a more reliable transportation network including more north/south routes for local traffic and additional routes for emergency responders, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian users, while reducing everyday reliance of trips accessing the I-95 corridor.

At the May 15th, 2023, FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, the committee reviewed and approved a rough draft Purpose and Need statement for a River Crossing Parkway NEPA Alternatives Study. FAMPO staff, with assistance from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) produced a River Crossing Research Report, which the FAMPO Policy Committee adopted in June 2023. Consultants, Michael Baker International (MBI) were selected to proceed with a River Crossing Parkway Alternatives Study.


A day of dynamic weather lies ahead as a low-pressure system barrels into the region, promising scattered showers and unseasonably mild temperatures.

The National Weather Service alerts that a low-pressure system from the Midwest, accompanied by a warm front, is set to sweep through the area, triggering scattered showers and potential thunderstorms. The system is expected to bring scattered showers starting late morning, mainly north of I-66 and US-50, with precipitation becoming more widespread across the area by early afternoon. While the risk of thunderstorms remains low for the day, gusty winds ranging from 25 to 30 mph are anticipated, adding to the atmospheric turbulence.


Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky recently discussed the notable surge in property assessments in an interview with Potomac Local News Founder and Publisher Uriah Kiser, shed light on its causes and implications, as well as the role of data centers in county revenues.

Mayausky explained that the recent increase in property assessments, with residential homes rising by an average of 13% and commercial properties by approximately 23%, can largely be attributed to the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand. He noted the scarcity of available houses on the market as a driving factor behind the uptick in property values despite prevailing high-interest rates. He said, “I think it is simply supply and demand.”


Manassas is in talks to acquire the former 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, with plans to transform it into the city’s 21st public park.

The proposed purchase, estimated at $10 million from the Manassas Baptist Church, marks a significant step toward addressing the longstanding shortage of park and recreation facilities within the city, officials said.


Prince William County is considering significant changes to its early voting ordinance, aiming to enhance accessibility and streamline the process for voters. General Registrar Eric Olsen presented a comprehensive plan to the county Electoral Board, highlighting the current trends in early voting and proposing adjustments to meet the community’s evolving needs.

Olsen noted that while early voting has seen steady participation, it remains relatively flat compared to other methods, such as mail-in voting. “Early voting is kind of flat right now,” Olsen said, indicating that only about 25% of voters opt for early voting, with the majority still preferring Election Day turnout.


A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss the master plans for three parks in Fredericksburg: Alum Spring Park, Ficklen Island, and Old Mill Park.

In adverse weather conditions, the meeting will be rescheduled for March 6. For further details, interested parties can contact Todd Brown, Director, at [email protected] or by calling 540-372-1086.


 

As the workweek kicks off, residents across the region can expect mostly dry conditions today, accompanied by slightly warmer temperatures. The National Weather Service forecasts high pressure to shift offshore, allowing temperatures to climb gradually. Despite a weak disturbance passing through this morning, the day will see mostly sunny skies with a high near 64°F.


Stafford County Public Schools will commence kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 academic year on March 6. Parents and guardians of children who reach the age of five by September 30, 2024, are encouraged to complete the online registration process.

Several documents are requisite for enrollment, including a driver’s license or photo ID for the parent or guardian, the child’s official birth certificate, current physical and updated immunization records before the school’s opening, and proof of residence or domicile. The latter entails providing a deed, lease, or tax bill, along with two additional current documents, such as utility bills tied to the home, employment verification, tax documents, or other official correspondences.


Stafford Schools initiated the on-site solar installation endeavor in 2020, partnering with Sun Tribe Solar as the project developer and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) as the financier and managing partner. This week, the installation initiative integrates into the educational curriculum as students interact with solar professionals to gain insights into the solar array, explore careers in renewable energy, and construct their solar circuits.

“Our mission is to inspire and empower our students so that they are prepared to excel, and this project certainly sets them up to be global changemakers,” states Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor in a press release. “I am delighted that the installation has aligned perfectly with Career and Technical Education Month, allowing us to showcase diverse, in-demand careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as clean energy.”


On February 22, at 1:47 a.m., Deputy P.J. Leon of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was engaged in speed enforcement duties along Garrisonville Road. During his patrol, Deputy Leon observed a pickup truck exceeding the speed limit, traveling at 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. Promptly, Deputy Leon initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, pulling it over in a Wells Fargo bank parking lot at 131 Garrisonville Road.

Upon contacting the driver, Deputy Leon noted concerning behavior, prompting further investigation. Notably, the driver was found to be carrying a concealed firearm in his waistband, an observation that led to his immediate detainment, police said. Subsequent examination of the vehicle by Deputy Leon unveiled two loaded rifles clandestinely concealed in the backseat, alongside a partially consumed beer, police said.


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