Stafford

Winston the Kitten and Dory the Dog Prove Opposites Attract – Adopt Your Own Perfect Pair in Stafford

By Potomac Local News

Winston was adopted just yesterday by a family who already had a dog, Dory. The adopter, a bit hesitant about adding a feline to the mix, asked if he could return Winston if things didn’t work out. The shelter’s answer? Yes—but they always recommend giving pets time to adjust.

Turns out, time wasn’t needed. From the moment they met, Dory and Winston clicked. The gentle dog found a little brother to watch over, and the curious kitten found a best friend. It’s a heartwarming match that shows just how magical adoption can be.

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Cyber Students Celebrate Milestone and Look Ahead to the Future

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Students in the Cyber4+ Cohort I (Class of 2026) from Stafford County Public Schools came together for a special luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, at Robiolina Italian Cuisine. The event, themed “Cyber4+ Reflect – What’s Next,” offered students a chance to reflect on their progress and connect with local mentors in cybersecurity, IT, and public service.

According to a press release from the school division, Cyber4+ launched in 2021 through the Virginia Department of Education’s CTE High School Innovation Grant. The program is a partnership between Stafford County Public Schools, Germanna Community College, GCubed Inc., and the Stafford County Office of Economic Development and Tourism. It helps high school students earn CompTIA certifications and prepares them for jobs in the fast-growing cybersecurity field.

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‘Be Ready to Commit—But Do It’: Colonial Forge’s EMT Students Reflect on Rigorous, Life-Changing Program

By Kelly Sienkowski

Colonial Forge High School’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is more than just a class—it’s a commitment to saving lives, a fast track to high-demand careers, and a transformation of ordinary students into certified first responders before they don graduation robes. Stafford County Public Schools offers an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program as part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings.

Four high school seniors—Parwin Jamal, Katherine Nicole Peterson, Leslie Benyarko, and Kaiya Vazquez—are at the finish line of one of Stafford County Public Schools’ most intensive career and technical education programs: the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) track. Each student has completed multiple levels of EMT coursework, earned certification as a Nationally Registered EMT (NREMT), and gained real-world experience through ride-alongs and emergency call response.

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VDOT Updates Stafford: Road Repairs, New Bridge, and Roundabout Plans

By Potomac Local News
Photo: VDOT

STAFFORD, Va. – Local leaders got a closer look at several upcoming road and bridge improvements during the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 20, 2025.

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Get Ready to Pay: Fees Resume at Old Mill Park and Falmouth Beach This Weekend

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors heading to the Rappahannock River will notice something familiar at two popular parks: entrance and parking fees are back for the summer season.

At Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, fees will be collected Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Labor Day. Non-residents—those who live outside the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County—will pay $15 per car or $5 per walk-in visitor aged 12 and up. City and county residents can enter for free with valid ID. The park remains open daily but closes from dusk to dawn.

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FBI Reviewing Agent Who Shot Man in Stafford, Now Faces Four Gun Charges

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The FBI is reviewing the actions of one of its off-duty agents involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year in a Stafford County neighborhood. That agent now faces four separate criminal charges stemming from unrelated firearm incidents.

The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, in the Stratford Place subdivision. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a reckless off-road motorcyclist. Authorities say the rider fled after being confronted by Benjamin Spinale, a 43-year-old off-duty FBI agent. The motorcyclist later returned with several family members, prompting deputies to initiate a traffic stop.

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Stafford Residents Demand Action on Data Centers—County Orders Full Review of Rules

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – A surge of public opposition to large-scale data center development dominated the May 20, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, leading county leaders to unanimously order a full review of the rules governing these rapidly expanding facilities.

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High-Speed Crash on I-95 in Stafford Injures Multiple People, Including Two Ejected from Vehicle

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Virginia State Police are investigating a serious three-vehicle crash that shut down local northbound lanes of Interstate 95 near the Rappahannock River Bridge on Saturday night.

The crash happened at 8:25 p.m. on May 17 at mile marker 132, just north of Fredericksburg. According to police, a 2007 Mazda Speed 3 was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver attempted to squeeze between two vehicles—a Hyundai Palisade in the left lane and an unknown vehicle in the middle lane. The Mazda collided with the Hyundai, causing it to flip onto the guardrail.

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Crash Halts All I-95 Northbound Lanes Near Stafford Courthouse

By Potomac Local News

Updated 2:50 p.m. – Stafford County Public Schools is alerting families to expect afternoon bus delays after a portion of Interstate 95 near Garrisonville Road was unexpectedly shut down Monday.

In a message sent to parents, school officials said all bus routes passing through the area will be delayed. Families are encouraged to check the MyRide K-12 app for real-time updates on their child’s bus status.

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Upgrades Set a New Standard at Highmark Brewery

By Mike Salmon
Josh Alley is one of the brewmasters.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Newly added brewing equipment at Highmark Brewery in Stafford County takes this already-established name in local beer to another level. Moving beyond its menu of eight standards and a few rotating beer types, Highmark is setting a new note on the brew scene with the recent installation of three new fermentation tanks, three extractors, and a modern keg washer.

“To continue to expand, we needed to update,” said brewmaster Josh Alley whose been with them a few years as they waded through the ups and downs. With the new equipment, “we’ll be able to put new rotating styles out and possibly get back into canning,” Alley said.

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