A fiery crash on Interstate 95 southbound on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, caused significant delays overnight and into the early morning hours.

According to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein, the crash occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m. at the 150-mile marker at Dumfries when a Honda SUV traveling in the right lane slowed and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.

The impact of the collision caused a fire to engulf the tractor-trailer, which led to emergency response teams shutting down multiple lanes for several hours.

The driver of the Honda SUV suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.

Authorities worked through the night to clear the wreckage and assess the damage. Traffic backups stretched for miles as crews battled the flames and removed debris from the scene.

Virginia State Police continue to investigate the incident. No further details have been released at this time.

 

Families and adventure seekers in Stafford County can gear up for a fun-filled outdoor experience this spring as Blue and Terrence’s Eggcellent Eggventure returns for another year. The event, which kicks off on April 1, 2025, encourages participants to explore local parks and tourism sites while hunting for hidden eggs and earning prizes.

“We created Blue and Terrence’s Eggcellent Eggventure as a way to highlight our parks, get families outdoors, and bring more visitors to Stafford,” said Lisa Logan, Tourism Program Director for Stafford County. “Last year, we launched it in just two weeks, and we received so much positive feedback that we’ve spent this entire year making it even better.”

How the Egg Hunt Works
The event features 18 oversized cardboard eggs, each with a QR code, hidden in 12 county parks and six tourism sites across Stafford. Participants can download the Eggventure app, scan the QR codes, and track their progress as they collect eggs.

“We’re not hiding real eggs, so no one needs to worry about that,” Logan said. “These are large, sturdy eggs with QR codes that take you to our website when scanned. We want families to have a fun, interactive experience exploring Stafford.”

The challenge offers different prize levels based on how many eggs participants find:

• 6 eggs – Explorer Prize
• 12 eggs – Eggventure Prize
• All 18 eggs – Ultimate Eggventure Prize
• Prizes include jelly beans, medals, and a picnic blanket for families who complete the challenge.

“We wanted to make sure that if a whole family participates, everyone gets a prize,” Logan added. “So, we’re offering up to four prizes per family.”

Where to Find the Eggs
Eggs will be hidden in 12 Stafford County parks as well as six key attractions:

• Chatham Manor at Ferry Farm
• Gary Melcher’s Belmont Estate
• Full Distance Brewery
• Potomac Point Winery
• Central Rappahannock Regional Library Porter Branch
• Art Cart Studio

“This year, we’ve expanded beyond parks to include local businesses and historical sites,” Logan explained. “The goal is to showcase Stafford’s hidden gems while giving families a reason to explore different parts of the county.”

A Nostalgic Adventure with a Fun Twist
The event’s name is a playful nod to the 1989 film “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”

“We thought it would be fun to play off that theme,” Logan said. “So we came up with ‘Blue and Terrence’s Eggcellent Eggventure’ to highlight our community mascots and create an engaging adventure for all ages.”

A Growing Tradition in Stafford
Last year’s event was a huge success, with many families participating despite a short preparation window. This year, with a full year of planning and a new app, the Eggventure is expected to attract even more participants.

“We started this as a day-trip adventure, but we hope to grow it into a regional attraction,” Logan said. “People from Prince William and Fairfax can come down, explore our parks, eat at our restaurants, and experience Stafford in a way they may not have before.”

While this year’s event is limited to county parks, Logan said they hope to expand to Widewater State Park and other locations in the future.

How to Participate
The Eggventure kicks off on April 1, 2025, and runs for 25 days. Participants can pre-download the app and map their route before the eggs are officially hidden.

“We know some people love to plan their routes,” Logan said. “So, we’ve included a map in the app showing where all the eggs will be hidden. That way, families can strategize and tackle the adventure however they want.”

For those wondering what the big prize is at the end, Logan said it’s all about the experience.

“The biggest reward is getting outside and discovering Stafford’s beautiful parks and attractions,” she said. “But, of course, we’ll have some great prizes too!”

Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash

Fire officials have determined that a blaze that destroyed a home on Waterford Drive in Manassas began in the attic, but due to extensive damage, the exact cause remains unknown.

According to Manassas City spokesman Jeremy Beale, the City Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire but was unable to determine what sparked the flames.

Firefighters responded to the home at 100201 Waterford Drive, near Clover Hill Road, at approximately 5:05 p.m. on February 14. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire spreading through the second floor of the three-story residence. The roof collapsed during the firefighting efforts, but no residents were injured as all occupants, including a dog, evacuated safely before emergency responders arrived.

One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Fire crews from Manassas, Prince William County, and Manassas Park worked together to extinguish the flames.

Authorities continue to urge residents to check their smoke detectors and have an emergency evacuation plan in place in case of a fire.

The emergency repairs on the Falmouth Bridge are complete, and the right lane of Route 1 northbound will reopen over the Rappahannock River between the Fredericksburg and Stafford County on Friday, March 14, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

VDOT reduced Route 1 northbound to a single lane between Charles Street in Fredericksburg and Carter Street in Stafford on Nov. 1, 2024, after routine bridge inspections revealed rapid deterioration among structural steel elements supporting the bridge deck. The lane closure was necessary to reduce vehicle weight on the bridge and allow construction crews to complete critical repairs.

With the completion of these repairs, the vehicle weight limit on Falmouth Bridge has been upgraded to 27 tons for single-unit vehicles and 40 tons for tractor-trailers. Previously, the emergency restrictions imposed on Nov. 1, 2024, had limited single-unit vehicles to 16 tons and tractor-trailers to 24 tons. With these restrictions lifted, vehicles of all legal weights can once again cross the bridge. Updated signage is being installed to reflect the new weight limits.

Construction crews are finalizing work this week, including spot painting to protect the structural steel from future deterioration. Equipment and scaffolding will also be removed in preparation for the lane reopening. Along with the right travel lane, the sidewalk along the northbound lanes of the bridge will also reopen on Friday.

The Falmouth Bridge, which opened in 1943, carries 40,000 vehicles daily. It serves as a key connection between Fredericksburg and Stafford County and an alternate route for Interstate 95. Truck traffic accounts for about 1-2% of all vehicles crossing the bridge.

VDOT conducts annual inspections of the Falmouth Bridge. In addition, a more in-depth inspection was performed in the summer of 2024 to gather data for a major rehabilitation project currently in development. That project, funded with $86.2 million through the Six-Year Improvement Program, aims to extend the bridge’s lifespan and ensure long-term structural integrity.

The recently completed emergency repair project, estimated at $1.1 million, was carried out by Kokosing Construction Company, Inc., with design work by Whitman, Requardt, and Associates, LLP. The project was funded through state bridge maintenance funds.

During its February 2025 meeting, the Thirty-First Judicial District Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB), re-elected Bradley Marshall as board chairman and elected Yesli Vega as vice chair. The board, which serves the greater Prince William County area, assists community agencies and organizations in establishing and modifying programs and services for criminal offenders based on objectively assessing the community’s needs and resources.

Marshall, a criminal defense attorney with Manassas-based Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C., has been a board member since 2009 when he was appointed as former Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert’s designee. He was first elected chairman in 2014 and remained in the position after transitioning to private practice. Marshall attributes his long history in Prince William County law and his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney as reasons his colleagues have consistently elected him.

“I believe my colleagues have elected me for over a decade because I bring a steady hand to the meetings and to guiding the board, as well as a lot of institutional memory,” Marshall said.

Vega, the Coles District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and a key figure in local politics, said she relies on data and her experience in law enforcement to guide her decisions.

“As a law enforcement officer, I bring a unique perspective and understanding of our local criminal justice system, using data and community input to advocate for effective, evidence-based practices,” Vega said.

A Prince William County reserve deputy sheriff, Vega began her law enforcement career as a police officer in Alexandria before serving with the Manassas Park Police Department.

“Supervisor Vega is a proven consensus builder who can bring stakeholders together to navigate complicated situations and come together to do what’s best for the community. I have no doubt she will continue to do so as vice chair of this board,” Marshall said.

The CCJB consists of 27 board members from local agencies involved in probation and the incarceration of accused individuals.

“The best thing about this board is the number and level of stakeholders involved,” Marshall said.

In addition to representatives from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officers, the board includes judges, social services representatives, behavioral health providers, and citizens from each represented area.

“It is a board of subject matter experts who collaborate to help each other, and in the end, help the community,” Marshall said.

The board ensures that court-offered programs comply with changes in state policy and best practices nationwide.

“Ultimately, I want to ensure that programs yield measurable improvements in public safety and reduced recidivism,” Vega said.

Marshall agreed.

“The board has made tremendous strides in evidence-based decision-making over the last several years, and I know we will continue to do so in order to improve the local criminal justice system,” he said.

The CCJB meets quarterly. Its next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. April 22, 2025, at the Adult Detention Center, 9320 Lee Avenue, Manassas.

Art enthusiasts will have a chance to experience diverse creative works at the 74th Annual Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show & Sale, from March 14 to March 16 at the Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg.

Presented by the City of Fredericksburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Events in partnership with the Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg, this juried show will feature over 270 original pieces from 112 artists across more than eight artistic disciplines. The event highlights local talent and serves as a fundraiser benefiting the Woman’s Club’s charitable programs and Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation, and Events initiatives.

Alongside the Fine Arts Show, attendees can enjoy the annual Kids’ Art Show, which showcases creative works from young artists ages 4 to 18. This exhibit includes sculptures, drawings, and paintings, and it is available for viewing only.

The event is free and open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity for both art collectors and casual visitors to appreciate unique, handcrafted works.

Show Hours:

Friday, March 14 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 15 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 16 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information, visit fxbgparks.com or call the Dorothy Hart Community Center at 540-372-1086.

Yard waste collection in Prince William County will resume in March and continue through December. Residents will receive weekly curbside pickup separate from trash and recycling.

As part of the program, residents must use biodegradable paper bags or labeled containers for yard waste disposal, as plastic bags are no longer permitted. Homeowners, businesses, and landscapers must arrange separate collections for yard waste, leaves, and brush with their designated trash and recycling service providers.

For those opting for drop-off, yard waste can be taken to the Prince William County Landfill at 14811 Dumfries Road or the Compost Facility at 13000 Hansen Farm Road. The collected yard waste is transformed into compost and mulch, reducing landfill usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Since the program began in October 2021, more than 22,400 tons of material have been composted or repurposed.

More details, including specific collection guidelines and Christmas tree disposal information, can be found at pwcva.gov/yardwaste.

Stafford County Incidents

Mass Overdose Scene
Edison Lane, Stafford (March 9, 12:16 a.m.) – First responders arrived at a home for a reported overdose and found an unresponsive man. While treating him, four additional people overdosed and required immediate care. All five were transported to the hospital and are expected to recover. A partygoer allegedly brought a controlled substance, which some guests consumed. Anne Pates, 36, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.

Fugitive Found
Richmond Highway, Stafford (March 8, 9:30 p.m.) – Rafie Bell, 45, of Woodbridge, was arrested after barricading himself inside a camper. Deputies surrounded the area and, after nearly an hour, Bell surrendered. He was wanted for failure to appear in Stafford County and now faces additional charges of firearm and drug possession. He is being held without bond.

Assault Arrest
Wawa, Butler Road, Stafford (March 8, 3:31 a.m.) – Deputies responded to an assault in progress where a man, identified as Savonte Hawthorne, 28, was reportedly destroying store property and grabbed an employee around the neck. When officers arrived, he attempted to enter a Sheriff’s Office vehicle and was immediately detained. He faces charges of strangulation, assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.

Prince William County Incidents

Armed Robbery
7-Eleven, Dumfries (March 7, 2:40 a.m.) – A masked man brandished a firearm and stole cash from the register before fleeing. A police K-9 searched for the suspect, but he was not located. No injuries were reported.
Attempted Armed Robbery

Cara Drive, Woodbridge (March 7, 10:14 p.m.) – A masked man with a firearm approached a 30-year-old man in his car. The victim attempted to drive away while the suspect entered an Audi A4 and tried to prevent his escape. The two vehicles collided before the victim was able to flee. The Audi was later found abandoned in Fairfax.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm
The Landings at Markham’s Grant Apartments, Woodbridge (March 9, 6:45 p.m.) – An unknown man fired multiple shots at a dark-colored SUV, which then drove away. The suspect also fled in a sedan. No injuries or property damage were reported, though shell casings were found in the parking lot.

Commercial Burglaries
Tropical Smoothie, Woodbridge (March 10, 3:57 a.m.) – A suspect broke into the business by smashing the front glass door and damaging cash registers before fleeing. Nothing was reported stolen.
Saphire Lounge & Nearby Businesses, Gainesville (March 8, 3:59 a.m.) – Three masked men broke into the Gainesville Diner, stole items from an office, then entered an adjoining business, stealing a purse. Other nearby businesses, including Ledo Pizza and Musashi Japanese Steakhouse, reported similar break-in attempts.

Arrests in Prince William County

Malicious Wounding (Domestic)
Misty Ridge Apartments, Woodbridge (March 9, 5:14 a.m.) – Addison Omar Jurado Chavez, 26, was arrested after allegedly attacking a 26-year-old woman during a dispute. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Abduction (Domestic)
Emberdale Drive, Woodbridge (March 9, 11:46 p.m.) – A 22-year-old woman was physically prevented from leaving a residence by three family members. Willie Curry, 23, Monique Charlton, 49, and Anthony Frazier, 26, were arrested for abduction and assault. Two additional suspects, Iann Byrd, 23, and Olyvia Nesbitt, 21, were also charged with abduction.
Assault & Battery on Law Enforcement

Inlet Place, Dumfries (March 8, 5:30 p.m.) – Officers responded to a person in crisis when Sabreah Hope Batch, 18, allegedly pushed one officer and struck two others before being detained. She was charged with assault on law enforcement.

Sudley Road, Manassas (March 8, 1:26 a.m.) – While being processed for DUI at the Adult Detention Center, Shayla Monae Ingham, 24, resisted officers, scratched one, and kicked another. She was charged with two counts of assault on law enforcement, DUI, and obstruction of justice.
Reckless Handling of a Firearm

Post Point Way, Gainesville (March 8, 9:51 a.m.) – Robert Johnson Lew, 53, was handling his firearm when it discharged, sending a round through a window and outside the home. No injuries or further damage were reported. He was charged and released on a court summons.

Additional Incidents in Stafford County

DUIs
Ferry Road/Pendleton Road (March 7, 1:42 a.m.) – A 39-year-old woman was arrested for DUI after a crash. Held on a $1,000 bond.
Brittany Lane (March 7, 9:43 p.m.) – A 47-year-old man was arrested for DUI. Held on a $1,000 bond.
Wawa, Garrisonville Road (March 7, 11:30 p.m.) – A hit-and-run suspect was arrested for DUI. Held until sober.

Hit and Run
Spring Lake Drive (March 8, 8:33 a.m.) – A resident reported their mailbox was hit overnight.

Thefts & Burglaries
ABC Store, Richmond Highway (March 7, 8:04 p.m.) – Two suspects stole bottles of alcohol.
Susa Drive (March 8, 9:00 a.m.) – A stolen Suzuki motorcycle was later recovered.

Public Intoxication
Spring Lake Drive (March 7, 10:50 p.m.) – A caregiver at a group home was arrested for intoxication.

Coal Landing Road (March 8, 8:25 p.m.) – A 58-year-old woman was arrested for public intoxication.
Vandalism

Truslow Road (March 7, 1:22 p.m.) – A shop employee scratched a customer’s car with sandpaper after a payment dispute.

Anyone with information on these incidents should contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400 or the Prince William County Police Department at (703) 792-7000.

Fredericksburg is set to enhance public safety by acquiring a vehicle barrier system to protect attendees at outdoor events from potential vehicle-borne attacks. The measure will be voted on at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, following the acceptance of a $250,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP).

The barrier system is intended to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering pedestrian areas during significant community events, including the Downtown Christmas Parade, Festival of the Streets on July 4th, the Farmers Market, and FXBG Pride.

Funding for Public Safety Enhancements
The grant will cover the full cost of the vehicle barrier system, ensuring no financial burden on the city’s budget. Additionally, the city has been awarded $57,900 to support its Hazardous Materials Team by funding the purchase of new equipment and training to improve emergency response capabilities.

According to a memorandum from Fire Chief Mike Jones and Finance Director Amanda Six, the grant will allow Fredericksburg to “better respond to potential threats in our community.”

Additional Grant for HazMat Equipment
In addition to the funding for vehicle barriers, Fredericksburg has also been awarded $57,900 to enhance its Hazardous Materials Team. The funds will be used to purchase new equipment and train emergency personnel to better respond to potential chemical, biological, and other hazardous threats.

The Stafford Race Series is set to kick off on April 5, 2025, with four races scheduled throughout the year, bringing together runners, families, and fitness enthusiasts for a community-driven experience.

The first race in the series, the Stafford Hospital Spring Fever 5K, will take place at Stafford Hospital. Three additional races will follow: the Airport 5K on September 13, the Halloween 5K on October 25, and the Frosty 5K on December 13.

“The Stafford Race Series started in 2017 or 2018, and it has been going strong ever since,” said Lisa Logan, Tourism Program Director for Stafford County. “Obviously, things took a little bit of a break during COVID, but because people could do outdoor activities, the races didn’t stop for long. We’ve had over 100 people complete all four races in previous years, and most races see between 400 and 500 participants.”

A Series That Encourages Community and Fitness
Each race provides an opportunity for participants to explore different parts of Stafford while engaging in a fun and healthy activity.

“It’s a great way to get people outside, running, and spending time with family,” Logan said. “The community partnerships involved—like the hospital and the airport—really help make this a unique experience.”

For those who complete all four races, the Stafford Race Series offers exclusive participation medals and cash prizes for top finishers.

“If you complete all four races, there are cash prizes and participation medals,” Logan explained. “But more importantly, you get out there, exercise, and see different places Stafford has to offer.”

Themed Races Add to the Excitement
Two of the races in the series—the Halloween 5K and the Frosty 5K—are known for their festive themes, attracting runners who embrace the spirit of the season.

“The Halloween 5K is always a blast,” Logan said. “Everyone shows up in costumes, and it’s fun to see families dress up in themes together. It really makes for an entertaining event.”

The Frosty 5K in December brings a wintery holiday atmosphere, often featuring family-friendly activities and special giveaways.

“My family did the Halloween 5K, and it was so much fun,” Logan added. “I don’t do a lot of running myself, but my husband, children, and granddaughter all participated, and they had a great time.”

Growing Participation and Registration
Over the years, the Stafford Race Series has drawn consistent participation, with each race featuring between 400 and 500 runners.

“The last Frosty 5K had 110 people complete all four races in the series,” Logan said. “It’s a great way to stay active throughout the year, and a lot of people enjoy the camaraderie.”

For those interested in participating, registration details and race information are available at tourstaffordva.com.

Race Series Schedule

• April 5, 2025 – Stafford Hospital Spring Fever 5K
• September 13, 2025 – Airport 5K
• October 25, 2025 – Halloween 5K (Jeff Rouse Center)
• December 13, 2025 – Frosty 5K (Jeff Rouse Center)