Stafford

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

By Potomac Local News
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.

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

By Jazbia Chaudhry
[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

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

By Potomac Local News

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.

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Stafford County Supervisors Approve Enon Road Solar Farm Proposal

By Potomac Local News

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.

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Stafford County Approves Renovations to Government Center Lobby and Board Chambers

By Potomac Local News

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.

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Stafford Leaders Urge State Action on Veterans Tax Exemption Program

By Potomac Local News

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.

During a presentation at the April 1 Board of Supervisors meeting, Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky said the constitutional amendment creating the real estate and personal property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans was not accompanied by adequate guidance or funding from the state.

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

By Uriah Kiser
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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Police Blotter: Road Rage Shooting, Armed Robbery & Church Drug Bust

By Jazbia Chaudhry
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Dale Blvd & Forestdale Ave (Dale City) – April 2, 2025
A man was shot at during a road rage incident while driving on Dale Blvd. The suspect, described as a Black male in his 30s with dreadlocks, fired multiple rounds before fleeing. The victim’s vehicle was struck, but no injuries were reported. Police are actively searching for the suspect.

Wawa – 13303 Telegraph Rd (Woodbridge) – April 1, 2025
A clerk was held at gunpoint by a masked suspect demanding cash. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’10”, wearing all black clothing and a ski mask.

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Stafford Supervisor Meg Bohmke Announces Retirement, Maya Guy Launches Bid for Aquia Seat

By Uriah Kiser
Michele Trampe of Central Virginia Justice Initiative and Lisa Silver accept a proclamation from Chairman Meg Bohmke on behalf of human trafficking victims.

A shakeup is underway in Stafford County politics. Longtime Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke announced she will not seek reelection, while School Board Member Maya Guy declared her candidacy for the Aquia District seat on the Board of Supervisors.

During the April 1, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, Bohmke, who has served 12 years on the board and four years previously on the school board, said she is stepping away from public office.

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Buc-ee’s Submits Plans for 120-Pump Travel Center in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

The Texas-based travel center giant Buc-ee’s is moving ahead with plans to build its first Virginia location in Stafford County. It has submitted formal requests to rezone nearly 35 acres of land to pave the way for a massive fuel and retail complex off Interstate 95.

The proposed Buc-ee’s would sit near the intersection of Courthouse Road (Route 630) and Austin Ridge Drive, just east west of I-95 Exit 140. Plans submitted to the county show a 74,000-square-foot convenience store and gas station with 120 fuel pumps, 24 future EV charging stations, and dozens of bus/RV parking spaces.

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