Stafford - Page 57 of 93 - Potomac Local News

Overnight Fire Damages Home in Stafford

Published April 28, 2025 at 8:40AM

Stafford County Fire and Rescue units responded to a structure fire at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county. Crews arrived about eight minutes later to find heavy fire coming from the front and roof of a two-story, single-family residence. The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. The sole occupant evacuated safely and is being assisted by the American Red Cross. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor medical emergency. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Here’s the full press release:

The Future of VRE Part II: More Trains, More Often: What Riders Can Expect by 2030 and 2050

By Potomac Local News

Published April 27, 2025 at 2:00PM | Updated April 28, 2025 at 1:51PM

Editor’s Note:

This is the second in our three-part series on the future of Virginia Railway Express (VRE). We’re breaking down VRE’s bold System Plan 2050 — and what it means for you.

Germanna Launches Community Survey to Help Shape Presidential Search

By Potomac Local News

Published April 27, 2025 at 8:55AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Germanna Community College is inviting students, employees, alumni, and the broader community to weigh in as it begins the search for its next president.

The college launched a community survey this week, asking participants to rank the importance of various leadership priorities, from fostering student success and expanding career-focused programs to strengthening partnerships with business and education leaders. Germanna officials say public input will help define the values, qualities, and goals the next president should embody.

The Future of VRE: What 2050 Could Look Like

By Potomac Local News

Published April 26, 2025 at 2:00PM

Be sure to sign up for our free email newsletter to get local transportation, government, and business news sent directly to your inbox.

At the April 18, 2025, VRE Operations Board meeting, planners unveiled a sweeping System Plan that would transform VRE from a traditional commuter service into a true regional backbone — connecting communities across the region with frequent, reliable rail service.

Police Blotter: Shooting, Stabbing, Assaults, and Arrests Across Prince William and Stafford Counties

By Potomac Local News

Published April 25, 2025 at 6:29PM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

WOODBRIDGE — Prince William County police are investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 1:48 p.m. on April 24 in the 14900 block of Enterprise Lane. Officers said a verbal altercation between occupants of a red sedan escalated into gunfire between the sedan’s occupants and nearby pedestrians.

The sedan fled the scene by vehicle, and the pedestrians left on foot before police arrived. One bullet struck a home, causing debris to injure a resident inside. Another round struck an unoccupied vehicle. Officers and a K-9 unit searched the area but were unable to locate anyone involved. The investigation is ongoing.

Stafford County: Utilities Launches Real-Time Water Outage Map

By Potomac Local News

Published April 24, 2025 at 4:22PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:13PM

Stafford County Utilities has introduced a new online tool to provide residents with real-time updates on water outages and repair work. The interactive map, available at utilities.staffordcountyva.gov/outage, shows active outages, affected areas, and repair status. The tool aims to enhance communication and transparency for the county’s more than 40,000 water customers.

The full press release:

Why Stafford’s Tax Rate Is Rising While Prince William’s Falls

By Potomac Local News

Published April 24, 2025 at 1:30PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Stafford County homeowners will see a higher real estate tax rate this year — $0.9236 per $100 of assessed value — as the Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on April 15. Although the tax rate is three cents higher than last year, it remains two cents lower than the original proposal by the County Administrator.

By comparison, neighboring Prince William County, with four times Stafford’s population, lowered its real estate tax rate to $0.906 per $100. Despite the rate cut, higher home values in Prince William mean its homeowners will still pay more. The average tax bill in Prince William is $5,162, based on a typical home value of $569,772. In Stafford, the average homeowner will pay $4,069 on a home valued at $434,400.

Election News Roundup: Early Voting Begins in Stafford County; Prince William County Wins National Election Award

By Potomac Local News

Published April 24, 2025 at 8:00AM

Early Voting Starts May 2 for June Democratic Primary

Early voting for the June Democratic Primary Election begins Friday, May 2, 2025, in Stafford County. Voters participating in the primary will choose nominees for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. The election will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. There is no Republican primary this cycle.

CTAC Endorses New Route for Rappahannock River Crossing; Regional Vote Set for June 16

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:46PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe Coming to Stafford’s Garrisonville Road

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 2:37PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

STAFFORD, Va. — A new addition is coming to Stafford County’s food scene.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, a growing chain known for its smoothies, açai bowls, croffles (a hybrid of croissant and waffle), and other sweet treats, is set to open its doors at 296 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford. A banner reading “Coming Soon” now hangs on the former vape shop in the Concepts building, formerly a shoe store, located near a Home Depot.