Schools

Stafford County Public Schools is moving ahead with plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from school meals, following the signing of a new state law that will ban certain synthetic color additives by 2027.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently signed HB 1910 and SB 1289, legislation that “prohibit[s] public elementary and secondary schools from serving any food that contains specific color additives for school meals or competitive food.”


Stafford

On the last weekend in May, most Stafford families were abuzz with the excitement of summer’s arrival. The Allwine family was abuzz with excitement over the annual AA Farm Honey harvest.

AA Farm Honey Co., founded by Kenny Allwine, is in its third year of honey farming. Allwine, who works in software technology, started with two hives, which grew to 15 the next year, and jumped up to 25 this year. Allwine, a Stafford resident, got into beekeeping because he was curious. He reached out to local beekeeping groups to learn more, taking classes and working with a mentor from King George’s Gateway Beekeepers Association. Allwine said the classes are a valuable resource, and having a great mentor is the key to success.


Neighborhood Notes

🚨 A heartbreaking loss on Lee Highway
A man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Thursday morning while walking along Lee Highway near Gainesville.
Read the full story and learn how you can help

🔥 Firefighters tackle intense blaze in Nokesville
Fire crews rushed to battle a serious house fire Thursday evening on Fleetwood Drive in Nokesville; thankfully, no injuries were reported.
See how first responders handled the scene


Event

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


Prince William

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Speed cameras are here to stay outside schools and highway work zones in Prince William County.

The Board of County Supervisors voted 7–1 on June 3, 2025, to make permanent the use of automated photo-monitoring systems aimed at catching speeding drivers in high-risk areas. The decision removes a sunset clause from the 2023 pilot program and allows enforcement to continue indefinitely.


Features

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – Kalahari Resorts & Conventions celebrated a key construction milestone on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, as CEO Todd Nelson, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), and state and local leaders gathered at the future site of Virginia’s largest indoor waterpark to tout the project’s progress and economic promise.

Held at the towering 11-story construction site off I-95 in Spotsylvania County, the event marked a symbolic step toward the opening of Kalahari’s fifth and most expansive resort, scheduled for November 12, 2026.


Prince William

Town leaders are weighing a major redevelopment proposal that could transform the historic property at 14600 Washington Street—the former Gainesville District School building later used by PACE West—into a new residential and commercial enclave.

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Neighborhood Notes

From big roadwork in Stafford to kid-friendly water play in Dale City, this edition of Neighborhood Notes covers what’s happening across our communities. We’re spotlighting educators, recognizing Pride Month, and sharing a timely internship opportunity for NOVA students. Dive in for all the details.