Stafford
Key Takeaways
Date/Time/Place: Jan. 20–21, 2026; 6:30 a.m.; Courthouse Road commuter lot, Stafford County, Virginia
The Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit has been rescheduled due to anticipated winter weather, with organizers moving the event to early February while keeping the same location and agenda.
Key Takeaways
“The local governments of Caroline County, the City of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County and Stafford County are officially facilitating the Walk for Peace as it moves through the region,” Stafford County announced. “The Walk for Peace is a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., led by a group of Buddhist monks who are currently expected to arrive in the area during the first week of February.”
Officials said they will provide ongoing updates and logistical information as the walk progresses, including access to a Google map tracking the monks’ real-time location. Community members who wish to observe the walk are asked to follow guidance from law enforcement and event coordinators, maintain a respectful distance, stay out of roadways, and not follow behind the monks. Organizers noted the monks are not accepting material donations.
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“We’re proud to share that our Superintendent, Dr. Daniel W. Smith, has been appointed by the Governor to the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This honor recognizes Stafford Schools’ strong partnership with military families, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and our commitment to supporting military-connected students across Virginia.”
The council works to address educational challenges faced by children of military families who frequently relocate, helping ensure consistent enrollment, placement, and graduation requirements across state lines. Stafford County is home to a large population of military-connected students due to its proximity to Marine Corps Base Quantico.
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Stafford County residents will have a chance to weigh in on the controversial North Anna–Kraken Loop Electric Transmission Project during a public listening session on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road. The session begins at 6:30 p.m. and is intended to provide information on the project’s regulatory process while gathering community feedback.
The evening will feature two identical presentations—one at 6:30 p.m. and another at 8 p.m.—to accommodate more attendees. Following the presentations, attendees can visit interactive stations organized by the five proposed transmission line segments located within Stafford County. County officials will be on hand to answer questions, collect feedback, and share large-scale maps to help residents understand how the project may affect their neighborhoods.
Dr. Elizabeth Warner has been elected chair of the Stafford County School Board, and Dr. Sarah Chase will serve as vice chair. The unanimous vote took place during the board’s annual organizational meeting on January 13, 2026.
Warner represents the Griffis-Widewater District and has served on the board for six years. She will take on roles in several committees this year, including the Joint School Working Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Chase, who represents the Falmouth District and has served for nine years, will also hold committee assignments including Governance, Legislative, and Head Start.
“Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, as well as search the structure,” the department stated. “The fire was marked under control in approximately 10 minutes.”
Fire officials said the two occupants evacuated before crews arrived and no injuries were reported. Additional units were used to shuttle water due to a lack of hydrants in the area. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a routine investigation. Fredericksburg Fire Department assisted on scene, while Quantico Fire & Emergency Services and Fauquier County Fire Rescue provided station coverage elsewhere in the county.