News

The program is supported by Stafford County Fire & Rescue and volunteer stations, with each $25 donation to Operation Warm funding one brand-new coat. Over the years, the community has provided nearly 25,000 coats and raised more than $400,000 for Stafford students.

“Partnerships like this help us ensure that every child has what they need to thrive,” said Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith. “By providing warm coats, we show our students that they are valued, cared for, and supported.” Fire Chief Joseph A. Cardello added that the program ensures children are “safe, warm, and ready to learn.”

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

Leaked text messages from Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones describing violent fantasies have rattled Virginia’s 2025 races, but so far, party leaders across the commonwealth are standing by him.

Friends, family, and alumni cheered on the new class as Chair Dr. Bob Schneider, CEO of OmniRide, shared opening remarks. Tony Wilson, representing the Class of 2025, welcomed the incoming cohort and passed the baton to new participants.

The class then traveled to “the Mountain” retreat to explore their Emergenetics profiles and begin building connections during the 10-month program, which helps participants explore local issues and grow as community leaders.

STAFFORD, Va. – The staff at Stafford County will conduct a full-scale emergency shelter drill this Friday, October 3—and you may notice increased activity near Shirley Heim Middle School and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

This joint exercise, conducted with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Rappahannock Area Health District, Stafford County Public Schools, and St. Peter’s, will test the county’s ability to open and operate emergency shelters in the event of a major disaster.

Alex Kang from Woodbridge was one of 457 Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students from five programs to receive their white coat during the university’s annual White Coat Ceremony held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

“As you don your white coat today, you assume not only the responsibilities, but also the obligation that attend to those who choose to provide care to other human beings,” said Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of DMU.

Stafford County Schools are equipped with multiple lockdown activation points that allow staff to immediately secure a campus in the event of a potential threat. When triggered, these points activate alarms throughout the school and simultaneously notify both Stafford Schools’ Safety and Security personnel and local law enforcement.

The activation was quickly confirmed by the on-duty School Resource Officer at Mountain View High School, who responded to the auxiliary gym after receiving unclear school radio traffic referencing that location. A large-scale law enforcement response followed, including members of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team who were still on duty after an unrelated earlier operation. Other law enforcement agencies with ties to the school also chose to respond to assist.