Stafford - Page 55 of 93 - Potomac Local News

Stafford Deputies Are Cracking Down on Speeders and Unsafe Driving Ahead of Summer

Published May 6, 2025 at 1:00PM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has kicked off a new traffic enforcement effort aimed at improving road safety ahead of Memorial Day and the busy summer season. The initiative, known as the F.O.C.U.S. Campaign, launched in early May and will run through May 11.

According to the agency’s Traffic Safety Unit, the campaign was developed based on proactive ideas from deputies and has the full support of the department’s leadership. The goal: to reduce crashes, speeding, equipment violations, impaired driving, and traffic-related deaths across the county.

Lighting the Way: Stafford holds First Relay for Life on May 10

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published May 6, 2025 at 11:00AM

For the first time, Stafford County will host a Relay for Life event, bringing the community together for a day of remembrance, celebration, and action in the fight against cancer.

The May 10 event is the result of months of work by organizer Tracey Phillips, a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society. Phillips was inspired to bring Relay for Life to Stafford after years of participating in events in neighboring counties, including an unforgettable first experience in 2009 in Loudoun County.

Kids Climbed, Honked, and Smiled at Touch-a-Truck Events in Prince William and Stafford

By Potomac Local News

Published May 6, 2025 at 10:30AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Two communities in Northern Virginia celebrated big wheels and loud horns this weekend, giving children the chance to get hands-on with the vehicles they usually only see driving by.

In Prince William County, Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge welcomed more than 1,000 visitors on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for its annual Touch-a-Truck event. Children of all ages climbed inside fire engines, police cruisers, dump trucks, and more — even getting the chance to honk the horns and meet the men and women who operate them. Hosted as a free community event, it proved to be a hit once again, with organizers already planning next year’s return on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

How Stafford Schools Are Adapting for English Learners and Students with Disabilities

By Potomac Local News

Published May 6, 2025 at 8:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 3: Reaching Every Learner — Special Education, ESL, and Academic Equity

Storms Knock Out Power for Thousands in Stafford County

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 7:44PM

STAFFORD, Va. – Severe thunderstorms that swept through Stafford County on Monday, May 5, have left thousands without electricity, with the hardest-hit areas now including Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour.

Dominion Energy reports more than 5,200 customers without power in affected neighborhoods. Specific outage counts include 85 customers in Leeland, 67 in Crows Nest, 442 near Stafford Regional Airport, and the largest outage in the area encompassing Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour.

Genesis Logistics Drivers in Stafford Vote to Join Teamsters by Overwhelming Margin

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 9:30AM

STAFFORD, Va. – More than 200 delivery drivers working for Genesis Logistics in Stafford County have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 322, a union representing workers across Virginia.

According to the union, drivers who deliver products to 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region voted by more than 90% in favor of unionization. The drivers are now preparing to negotiate their first contract with the company.

Heads-Up, Drivers: Here’s Where VDOT Is Doing Road Work This Week

By Potomac Local News

Published May 3, 2025 at 10:21AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – If you’re traveling through the Fredericksburg region this week, expect to see crews working along Interstate 95 and several major routes in surrounding counties. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its list of scheduled lane closures and maintenance activity for May 4–10, 2025. All work is weather permitting, and up-to-date info is available on 511Virginia.org.

According to a press release from VDOT, drivers are advised to use caution, stay alert, and plan for possible delays when traveling through active work zones.

Police Blotter: Snake Evicted From Courthouse, Fatal Crash in Woodbridge

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 2:00PM

A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal.

Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened. First Sergeant E.D. Chinault apprehended the reptile, humorously dubbed “Rocky Bal-Boa,” and relocated it to nearby woods.

Stafford Wants Your Help Fixing Traffic—and Has a Big Project on the Way

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 10:30AM

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County is tackling two major traffic challenges — and it’s asking residents to weigh in while preparing to break ground on a major intersection upgrade.

The county is seeking public input on two of its most congested and crash-prone corridors: Garrisonville Road (VA 610) and Warrenton Road (US 17). Both routes have been flagged for safety and congestion concerns. The county plans to apply for state funding through the Virginia SMART SCALE program in 2026 to study each area under the PATHS (Program for Affordable Transportation Hotspot Solutions) program.

Big Changes Coming to Stafford’s School Buses—Here’s What Parents Need to Know

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 9:00AM

Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford

Stafford County Public Schools has faced mounting criticism over its student transportation system. From late buses to no-shows, families voiced their frustration during connection sessions held by Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith earlier this year. In response, Smith is moving quickly. “We can’t wait another year,” he said. “The data showed our biggest bottleneck was at the elementary level. That’s where we had to start.”