Stafford - Page 18 of 53 - Potomac Local News

Five Displaced on Easter After Fire on Smith Street in Stafford

Published April 21, 2025 at 9:38AM

Firefighters gather outside a single-story home in the 400 block of Smith Street after quickly bringing a structure fire under control. Five people were displaced in the April 20, 2025 blaze. Photo courtesy: Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department

A fire on Easter evening displaced five residents from a single-family home in the 400 block of Smith Street, near Brooke Road in Stafford County. Fire and rescue crews from Stafford and Fredericksburg responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. and quickly brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes.

One person was home at the time and safely evacuated after being alerted by neighbors. Two individuals were treated on scene for minor smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Stafford Property Taxes Up 62% Since 2012 as FY2026 Budget Clears

By Potomac Local News

Published April 18, 2025 at 1:23PM | Updated April 18, 2025 at 4:47PM

STAFFORD, Va. — The average homeowner in Stafford County will pay $130 more in property taxes starting July 1, 2025, after the Board of Supervisors approved a three-percent increase to the real estate tax rate—the county’s central funding source for local government and schools.

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Date Night Spotlight: Robiolina Italian Cuisine

By Potomac Local News

Published April 17, 2025 at 11:00AM

A Romantic Escape to Italy—No Passport Required

Tucked away in North Stafford, Robiolina Italian Cuisine offers an intimate setting that is perfect for a memorable date night. The warm ambiance and authentic Italian dishes crafted from scratch set the stage for an evening of culinary delight.

Mass Bee Poisoning at Stafford County Farm Prompts Criminal Investigation, $5K Reward Offered

By Potomac Local News

Published April 16, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated April 16, 2025 at 4:41PM

Jerry Mattiaccio, owner of Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, surveys the damage after discovering more than 50 bee colonies dead on his Stafford County property. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected case of pesticide poisoning.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating a suspected case of mass pesticide poisoning at a local beekeeping operation, where more than 50 honeybee colonies were found dead in what the farm’s owner believes was an intentional act of vandalism.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, located at 45 Pinto Lane, on Monday, April 14, at 4:05 p.m. after the property owner discovered thousands of dead bees outside their hives. Deputy B.E. Vaughn took the report, and sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur confirmed a total of 50 hives were affected. The case remains under active investigation.

Police Blotter: ABC Store Robbery, Domestic Strangulations, and Fraud Investigations

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published April 14, 2025 at 10:00AM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Woodbridge (22192) – April 8, 2025
A man entered the ABC store on Smoketown Rd., threatened the employee, and pushed her aside before stealing multiple bottles of alcohol. He fled the scene before officers and K-9 units arrived. The suspect has not been located.

Manassas (20109) – April 7, 2025
Jordan Alan LOCKETT, 28, is wanted after allegedly beating and strangling a 36-year-old woman, temporarily taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
Charges: Strangulation, assault & battery, preventing the summoning of law enforcement

EXCLUSIVE: Riverside Center Offers Free Tickets to First Responders, Teachers Following Traumatic Week in Spotsylvania

By Potomac Local News

Published April 10, 2025 at 1:20PM

After a week marked by tragedy and intense emergency response, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts offers a night of respite to those serving on the front lines. The center is giving away 200 free tickets to local first responders and teachers for Friday night’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on April 11, 2025.

The offer is open to area educators, fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. All seats are first come, first served, and must be claimed in person at the Riverside Center box office. Valid credentials are required.

Stafford County Supervisors Approve Enon Road Solar Farm Proposal

By Potomac Local News

Published April 10, 2025 at 9:00AM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 on April 1, 2025, to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for the construction of a solar energy facility on a 36-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Enon Road and Truslow Road in the Hartwood District.

The applicant, Enon Road Solar Farm and its representatives from Energy Systems and Applications (ESA), sought approval for two items: the CUP to operate a solar facility in the A-1 Agricultural zoning district, and authorization for the county to enter a decommissioning agreement.

Stafford County Approves Renovations to Government Center Lobby and Board Chambers

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 11:00AM

Stafford County’s George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center is set to undergo major renovations following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The $1 million project will expand and modernize the building’s main lobby and make critical upgrades to the Board of Supervisors’ meeting chambers. The Board approved a work order with Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc. to carry out the renovations, which are expected to take about eight months and conclude by the end of the year.

Stafford Leaders Urge State Action on Veterans Tax Exemption Program

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 1:00PM

Stafford County leaders are calling on the state to do more to support a growing veterans’ tax relief program that now costs the county more than $27 million a year in lost revenue.

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No Opt-In, No Ride: Stafford County Reimagines School Transportation

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 8, 2025 at 11:00AM

Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools is moving fast to resolve its ongoing transportation crisis. A new two-tier bus system and opt-in transportation policy will debut in Fall 2025.

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