The new elementary schools and Hartwood are part of Stafford’s broader strategy to relieve overcrowding and rebalance school boundaries. In a March 2025 article, Potomac Local noted that the division’s redistricting plan (Scenario Green) aimed to open ES-18 and ES-19 near 95 percent capacity initially, ensuring none exceed capacity in year one. (Potomac Local News)
Key takeaways:
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Hundreds of University of Mary Washington students connected with potential employers at Thursday’s fall Career and Internship Fair—and many arrived dressed for success thanks to a two-day professional pop-up boutique held earlier in the week.
The boutique, co-hosted by UMW’s Student Activities and Engagement office and the Gwen Hale Resource Center, drew 340 students on Monday and Tuesday. The event offered free professional attire, donated by UMW faculty, staff, and the campus resource center, giving students a chance to suit up ahead of the fair.
The Expo will feature public safety agencies from across the region, including Manassas Park, Quantico, Haymarket, Occoquan, and Dumfries. Attendees can explore various vehicles and unique apparatuses not commonly seen by the public.
Visitors will enjoy interactive activities, live music, and food trucks, making it a perfect family-friendly outing. The event aims to provide vital safety information and resources to keep the community informed and safe.
CULPEPER, Va. – After 27 years, Virginia State Police have made an arrest in the cold case murder of Sylena Jo Dalton, who was found stabbed to death in her Strasburg apartment in 1998.
Daniel E. Pompell, 56, of Culpeper, was arrested Friday, September 26, and charged with murder. He was taken into custody without incident, according to police. Pompell is the father of Dalton’s infant daughter, Allyson Kathleen Dalton, who was just 10 weeks old at the time and has never been found.
KING GEORGE, Va. – A man reported missing over the weekend in King George County has been found safe.
The Virginia State Police canceled a Critically Missing Adult Alert for 63-year-old Randolph Frank Campbell on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 11:20 a.m. According to authorities, Campbell has been located and is safe.
From riverside concerts and veterans celebrations to art shows and investment tools, this roundup features everything happening in your neighborhood this season. Dive into the latest events, performances, and community resources — all in one place.
STAFFORD, Va. – Two Stafford County schools were locked down over the past week after false alarms triggered emergency systems.
At Mountain View High School and Margaret Brent Elementary on September 19, an alarm set off a precautionary lockdown before deputies confirmed there was no threat. Five days later, Stafford High School went into lockdown twice in one morning after faulty wiring caused its system to activate.
Three suspects broke into Tobaccoville on Lafayette Boulevard on September 21, stealing merchandise. The suspects were described as wearing all black with hoods up and ski masks.
Other notable incidents include vandalism of vehicles on Caroline and Charlotte Streets, and vehicle tampering on Saunders Drive. In these cases, vehicles were either keyed, had windows broken, or were rummaged through.
A 35-year-old man was charged in connection with an attempted malicious wounding incident that occurred on September 20 near Manassas. The suspect, who had been sought by police, turned himself in without incident. He faces multiple charges, including attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In a separate incident, a 31-year-old man was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and medical personnel in Woodbridge. The accused became combative during a medical call, striking two medics and attempting to bite a police officer.
