News - Page 242 of 1916 - Potomac Local News

Travel hot spots in the Fredericksburg district

Published September 5, 2023 at 12:08PM

I-95 looking north at the Cowan Boulevard overpass in Fredericksburg.

I-95 Southbound: Exit 148 (Quantico) Tuesday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. Varying single and double lane closures with intermittent traffic stops at mile markers 135–133 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction. Crews will be working on a flyover ramp and light poles.

I-95 Northbound: Exit 118 (Thornburg) to Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single and double lane closures for milling and paving work at mile markers 118–120.

UMW to host candidate debates

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 1, 2023 at 10:45AM

University of Mary Washington [Photo: Univesity of Mary Washington Facebook page]

Five candidates running for Senate and House of Delegates seats are set for debates next month at the University of Mary Washington.

Aquia Creek reopens for swimming after sewage spill

By Amelia Breeden

Published September 1, 2023 at 9:29AM

An aerial view of Aquia Landing park at the Potomac River and Aquia Creek. [Stafford County Sheriff's Office]

“The section was closed August 25, due to a release of raw sewage in the area. The waterway reopened for recreational activities effective today August 30, 2023. The Rappahannock Area Health District has monitored water quality in the waterway since the raw sewage release occurred, and water sampling results confirm that the area is now safe for recreational water activities.”

“For more information regarding recreation water safety tips, visit SwimHealthyVA.com.“

Today’s weather forecast | Sponsored by Prince William Parks, Recreation & Tourism

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 1, 2023 at 9:20AM

National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington: “Sunny skies & low humidity look to continue through the start of the holiday weekend as high pressure builds into the region. Turning hotter Sunday with highs back in the low to mid-90s along and east of I-81.”

“Today: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 6 mph.”

Charges filed after threatening message left on the voicemail at Anthony Burns Elementary School

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:55AM

A Stafford County Sheriff's' patrol car.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “A juvenile student has been charged after a threat of violence to a Stafford County school.”

“On August 28 deputies learned of a threatening message left on the voicemail at Anthony Burns Elementary School this weekend. Sergeant J.T. Harrod III immediately began the investigation and coordinated with school staff to identify the caller. With the expert assistance of a network engineer for the schools, Sergeant Harrod quickly learned the phone number of the suspect.”

Juvenile charged after man, 19, dies in crash

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:48AM

Prince William Police Department: “Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On August 29, crash investigators obtained charges for one of the drivers involved in the fatal crash that occurred in the area of Catharpin Road and Fallen Oaks Place in Gainesville (20155) on August 26. The drivers of the initial vehicles involved were found to have been traveling well above both the posted 40 MPH speed limit, and the recommended posted 30 MPH safe speed for roadway conditions at the curve where the crash occurred. The driver of the third vehicle, which was traveling in the opposite direction, was found to be operating their vehicle, a 2006 Scion, properly, and was uninvolved in the driving behavior of the other two drivers. The collision killed the 19-year-old driver of a 2016 Hyundai Elantra and injured a passenger inside the vehicle, who were both not properly wearing their seatbelt in the vehicle. Following the investigation, crash investigators charged the driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla, identified as a 16-year-old male juvenile, who was also found to have been driving the vehicle without a license. Charged on August 29: [Juvenile]

A 16-year-old male juvenile of Haymarket [driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla]. Charged with reckless driving and no operator’s license. Court Date: Pending | Status: Charged/Petitions Obtained. Identified: The deceased driver of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was identified as Qais JAILANI, 19, of Haymarket. The passenger of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was identified as a 19-year-old man of Gainesville. The driver of the 2006 Scion was identified as a 50-year-old woman of South Riding.”

Suspected felon smashes cop cars at Wawa in escape attempt

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:44AM

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On August 28th at 9:32 p.m. Deputy S.T. Myers and his K-9 partner Gunner observed a stolen Ford F-150 at the Wawa on South Gateway Drive.”

“The driver of the stolen vehicle was reported to be Wayne Motley, 46, of Spotsylvania, who was already wanted for felony charges. Much like the Steel Curtain defense of the 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers, Deputy D.S. Jett, Sergeant M.E. Gordon and First Sergeant D.W. Fetterolf made their way to the scene to block any escape path.”

Today’s weather forecast | Sponsored by Prince William Parks, Recreation & Tourism

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:40AM

National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington: “Showers associated with a cold front passage this morning will give way to a mixture of clouds and sun this afternoon. Highs today will be 80s for most, with 60s and 70s in the mountains.”

“Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.”

Firefighter injured after blaze in North Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 28, 2023 at 10:59AM

Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department: “Just after 11:45 on Sunday, August 27th, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched for a reported structure fire in the 00 block Cliff Circle (Foxwood Village in North Stafford), reported by multiple callers. First arriving units marked the scene less than five minutes later and reported heavy fire from the front and side of a mobile home. Crews quickly made entry and brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes.”

“The residence was occupied by three people at the time of the fire, all were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units. Two patients were evaluated, one was transported for non-life-threatening injuries. In total, five people were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. One firefighter was transported for non-life threatening injuries. The fire was investigated by Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office and determined to be accidental in nature. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.”

Swimming advisory issued for Aquia Creek in Stafford County

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 28, 2023 at 10:51AM

An aerial view of Aquia Landing park at the Potomac River and Aquia Creek. [Stafford County Sheriff's Office]

“Repairs to the sewage main have been completed. The absence of rain events since the completion of the repairs may allow the sewage to concentrate in some areas, and it is not possible at this time to know the impact of sewage on the creek. There are no concerns about contamination of the drinking water supply.”

To prevent illness, people should: