The Texas-based retailer wants to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 fueling stations along Courthouse Road, just off I-95’s Exit 140, adjacent to the Austin Ridge and Embrey Mill communities.
By the end of the night, commissioners voted 6–1 to defer the rezoning and permit applications until Jan. 14, 2026, citing unanswered questions about traffic, safety, and neighborhood impacts.
The changes come as recommendations from the Planning Commission, which unanimously approved two Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments for both types of establishments on Oct. 22.
The amendments for tattoo and piercing parlors would allow for more businesses to open in the City of Fredericksburg, as current development is limited.
“SCFR units responded for a report of a vehicle into a structure in the area of Town and Country Drive and Walsh Lane with people trapped,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue stated. “First arriving units confirmed a vehicle into a storage facility, with two individuals out and one trapped in the vehicle.”
Crews stabilized the vehicle and quickly removed the trapped person. All three patients were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following the 5:40 p.m. crash on Thursday, October 30.
Prince William County detectives, as part of the FBI Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force, executed a search warrant at a home on Chelmer Ct in Woodbridge. A 28-year-old resident was arrested and charged with six counts of possession of child pornography. The investigation led to the seizure of additional evidence, and the suspect is being held without bond.
In a separate incident, a 16-year-old student at Hylton High School reported an attempted robbery on October 27. The student was confronted by two peers in a restroom, one of whom brandished a knife and demanded money. The victim managed to escape unharmed when others entered the restroom. The suspects, a juvenile and an 18-year-old from Woodbridge, were charged with abduction and attempted robbery.
In a 6-1 vote — Christopher Carroll, who represented the Brentsville District, left the Commission before the decision — the Planning Commission is passing along the project to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.
The project spans 1,123 total acres with 1,058 units across three developments. One of the developments is adjacent to the Prince William Golf Club and the Longleaf Nature Preserve and is aptly named “Long Leaf at Kettle Run.”
Stafford County deputies responded late Tuesday afternoon, October 21, to a shooting in the 600 block of Mountain View Road in Stafford. The caller reported hearing gunshots over the phone while a co‑worker was on site performing work, and then lost contact with them.
When deputies arrived, they found a 35‑year‑old man, later identified as Michael Dodge II of Caroline County, unresponsive in the driveway. A perimeter was set up as a suspect remained inside the residence. After a brief standoff, deputies detained the resident, who was identified as 64‑year‑old Donald Thomas of Stafford.
“There will be a forum for Domestic Violence Awareness this Thursday, October 23rd, at Manassas Park Community Center Banquet Hall from 6:00pm – 8:00pm,” City of Manassas Park (Facebook) posted. “If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources in our community that can help you find safety and support.”
Additional event details are available on the City of Manassas Park website. The forum aims to raise awareness and connect residents with local support services and advocacy organizations.
In the early hours of October 14, a 21-year-old man was driving near Alabama Ave and Kentucky Ave in Woodbridge when a bullet hit his vehicle. The incident occurred at 1:26 a.m., prompting the driver to leave the area and contact the police.
Officers responded to the scene to investigate the shots-fired call. Despite checking the area, no suspects were located, and no injuries or further property damage were reported.
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.”
