“First arriving crews confirmed heavy fire from a two-story, single-family residence [about five miles from Curtis Memorial Park],” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced after the 4:45 a.m. dispatch. “All occupants were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units, and no injuries were reported.”

Additional tankers were called in to support a rural water shuttle operation as crews worked to extinguish the fire and manage structural instability. The blaze was under control within about half an hour.


“The annual Stafford County Tree Lighting is making its way into town,” Stafford County announced. “Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5 when Stafford County kicks off the season with lights, music, food trucks, vendors, and a little holiday magic at the Stafford County Tree Lighting.”

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Stafford County Government Center. Parking will be available at the VDOT Courthouse Road Commuter Lot, with shuttle service provided to and from the event.


More than two dozen small businesses braved temperatures in the high 30s on Saturday for the Long Family Christmas Market at the Staffordboro Boulevard commuter lot in North Stafford, kicking off the holiday season with a community-focused showcase of local makers, bakers, and entrepreneurs.

The special market, held two days after Thanksgiving, brought together vendors from across Stafford County, Fredericksburg, and Northern Virginia for a Shop Small-style holiday event organized by Long Family Markets.


For years, the unspoken transportation strategy in the Fredericksburg region has been simple: move here, live here, shop here—but when it’s time to work, get on Interstate 95 and hope for the best.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


“The black-box theater awaits student thespians, their lines memorized, spouting high school drama,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “And the band and locker rooms stand ready for the sounds of Friday night football victories.” “Hartwood High School, one of three new schools Stafford is opening next fall, is coming along, on schedule and within budget,” the publication added.

The update came during a recent media tour and a presentation to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, where officials said the school remains on track to open for students next year.


“I have also prepared a letter in opposition of the proposed project with suggestions to mitigate impacts,” Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch said in a recent social-media post. She added that Darrell English, Hartwood District Supervisor, will sign the letter and that she plans to invite other Board colleagues to join after the upcoming meeting.

Vanuch noted that the county’s options are limited, urging concerned residents to engage their state delegate and senator as the county learns more about the plans. She also said she copied all of Stafford’s state representation on the letter she will send after the Board’s Dec. 2 meeting.


 

“Just after midnight on Thursday, November 27, SCFR units were dispatched for a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Sandy Ridge Road (in the White Oak area),” Stafford County Fire and Rescue reported. “Units arrived six minutes later to find two, connected outbuildings well involved with fire.”


Stafford County is bracing for a battle that residents say could define the county’s future for generations.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


The Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization voted Monday to adopt the long-awaited Rappahannock River Crossing Parkway Alternatives Study, advancing “Option C,” a proposed new bridge and roadway linking Stafford County to the City of Fredericksburg west of Interstate 95.

The decision places the corridor into the region’s long-range transportation plan and moves the project toward the costly federal environmental review process needed before any construction can be approved.


“Are you ready? Cause we are getting excited!” Go Stafford VA announced. “Small Business Saturday is November 29!”

“Your Shop Small Stafford Digital Passport unlocks exclusive local deals and enters you to win up to $1,000 in gift cards to a participating Shop Small Stafford business,” the organization stated. “Don’t wait — get your Shop Small Stafford Digital Passport now.”


View More Stories